Indian parachutist hits new heights in Vientiane

After four jumps from 30,000 feet over Vientiane, a woman parachute jumper from India said yesterday she felt ready ahead of last night's big show.

Archana Sardana is one of many parachutists who have impressed visitors to Vientiane's Skydive Festival this week with their daring jumps from vertiginous heights.

She is the only participant from India, joining parachutists from Laos, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, France, Vietnam and the UK in the event to celebrate Vientiane's 450th anniversary as the Lao capital.

Archana is India's first woman skydiver, qualified mountaineer and BASE jumper (an extreme sport involving jumping from fixed objects). She said she was honoured to participate in the event and volunteered to take part on behalf of the Indian government.

“It is interesting and risky whenever I do skydiving,” she said, speaking at a press conference at the Indian embassy in Vientiane.

She added that jumping from a helicopter would be a first for her as most of her jumps have been from fixed wing planes.

She explained that for last night's climactic show the parachutists would hold hands in formation.

“You have to grab each other when you reach 5,000 feet and wait for each other before opening the parachute,” Archana said

“After jumping you have to stop thinking.”

She still remembers her first skydive; even though she was assisted by an experienced parachutist, she was still scared. But by her second jump, when she had to go solo, she felt a lot more confident.

Archana, who is married and has two children, said initially her parents were concerned about what she did.

“They asked me why I was doing this and said I was crazy. They said “You have a kid, why do you have to jump?” But slowly, slowly…I didn't stop, and in the end they said “Go ahead and do it.”

She says she enjoys risky activities, and is lucky to have never had an accident so far .

“My next mission in May 2011 is to attempt a solo skydive from 29,000 feet and freefall past Mount Everest on the highest drop zone in the world. I will dedicate my jump to the cause of the girl child,” said Archana.

She has dedicated her career in skydiving to the cause of women in India.