29/09/2025
*Press Release*
For Immediate Release
*Malaysian Athlete Nurhaqimy Ismail Crowned Champion at Sumedang West Java Paragliding Cross Country Championship*
Kuala Lumpur, 28 September 2025 – Malaysia has marked a new milestone in international airsports as national athlete Nurhaqimy Ismail emerged as the overall Sports Series Champion at the Sumedang West Java Paragliding Cross Country Championship, held from 21–28 September 2025 in West Java, Indonesia.
The prestigious event is recognized as one of the largest cross-country paragliding competitions in the region, attracting over 120 elite athletes from 18 countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Germany, Czech Republic, South Korea, India, China, Argentina, Iran, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Australia, Switzerland, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines. Against this strong international field, Nurhaqimy’s consistent performance secured him the championship title, a historic achievement for Malaysia on the global paragliding scene.
In addition to his sporting triumph, Nurhaqimy also serves as the President of the Malaysia Sports Aviation Federation (MSAF), further highlighting his dual role as both a national leader in sports aviation and a world-class athlete.
“This victory is not just for me but for Malaysia. It shows that our athletes are capable of competing and excelling at the highest level in airsports,” said Nurhaqimy after the championship.
Malaysia’s Growing Dominance in Paragliding
This achievement comes on the heels of Malaysia’s previous victory in the Paragliding World Cup Accuracy discipline, where national athletes also secured the champion title. With triumphs now spanning both accuracy and cross-country disciplines, Malaysia has proven its rising strength in international paragliding.
These back-to-back successes underscore Malaysia’s readiness to dominate the upcoming SEA Games, where paragliding is set to feature as a competitive sport. Furthermore, Malaysia is already preparing to host the paragliding events in SEA Games 2027, showcasing both accuracy and cross-country categories on home ground.
*About the Event*
The Sumedang West Java Cross Country Championship is a premier competition in the Asian paragliding circuit, featuring challenging mountain terrain and highly competitive international participation. The event is sanctioned by regional and global airsports bodies and serves as a platform for athletes to qualify for future world-class championships.
*About Malaysia Sports Aviation Federation (MSAF)*
The Malaysia Sports Aviation Federation (MSAF) is the national governing body for all airsports in Malaysia under the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), recognized under the Sports Development Act 576. MSAF oversees the growth, governance, and regulation of multiple airsports disciplines .
