ISLAMABAD, Dec 15: Anwar Ali, 24, a blind, achieved a unique distinction on Friday as he took his first solo-flight from Margalla Hills from a height of 200 feet. A 50-year-old Swiss holds the world record for being the first blind para-glider. He created this record almost 35 years back.

Paragliding is becoming popular in the country and has been attracting international sportsmen. Earlier this year, Leroy Westerkamp of the Netherlands set a new world record on Pakistani soil for gaining height while paragliding, ascending 4,526 metres (14,849 feet) to reach an altitude of 7,685 meters in Hunza.

The Dutchman will return next year to fly over the 8,611- meter K2, the world’s second highest mountain, in a paraglider.

Hawk Gliding Club chief Major (retd) Syed Hamid Raza told Dawn that Anwar Ali, who is also a batsman in the national cricket team of blinds, is the first Asian blind to be a para-glider, but globally he is the youngest.

Hawk Gliding Club had organized and sponsored the event. The club also has the privilege of being the first club to have permission to do para-gliding in the capital city. A ban on para- gliding in Islamabad was imposed earlier this year for security reasons.

Appreciating Mr Ali’s feat, Mr Raza said: “His courage has opened way for other special people to come forward and try to take part in different sports.”

Explaining his feelings after the feat, Mr Ali said that he did feel hesitant, but had no fear since he was not able to see. “I certainly enjoyed it,” jubilant Ali added.

Mr Ali was selected for para-gliding during a cricket match of the ongoing World Cup for blind and undertook the adventure only after few hours’ training.

Daring and smooth running and good synchronisation of body and mind where some of the characteristics considered by the club while selecting Mr Ali for this sport.

Mr Ali, who was born in Jhang, turned blind at the age of 8 years because of glaucoma. He later migrated to Rawalpindi and started playing cricket as a 7th grade student.

He is presently doing his master in arts from University of the Punjab. He is also employed by the Special Education Department in Shorkot.