Fri Jan 30 06:46:10 UTC 2026: ### Andhra Pradesh Woman Breaks Barriers, Soars as First Licensed Civilian Skydiver

The Story:
Divya Surepalli, a 37-year-old from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, has become the first licensed civilian woman skydiver from the state. Achieving this milestone in 2024, Surepalli joins a small, exclusive group of fewer than 20 women nationwide who have pursued skydiving beyond a one-time tandem jump. Her journey involved overcoming weather obstacles, technical challenges, and societal barriers, ultimately culminating in an A license that allows her to jump at affiliated drop zones worldwide without supervision.

Surepalli’s path wasn’t without setbacks, including a mid-course spin that shook her confidence. She navigated difficult landing scenarios and the financial burden of training abroad. Her story highlights the importance of mentorship, familial support, and personal resilience in a sport with limited accessibility and prevailing gender stereotypes in India.

Key Points:

  • Divya Surepalli is the first licensed civilian woman skydiver from Andhra Pradesh (2024).
  • She holds a postgraduate degree in Environmental Engineering from Germany.
  • Training took place in Moscow (Drop Zone Krutitcy) and Thailand due to weather constraints.
  • An A license requires a minimum of 25 jumps, passing assessments, demonstrating freefall and canopy control, performing group jumps, and packing one’s parachute. She completed 29 jumps.
  • She overcame a severe spin during freefall and difficult landing situations, including avoiding an asbestos roof and electric poles.
  • Obtaining her initial license cost approximately ₹5 lakh.
  • Only one drop zone in India offers tandem jumps, and none provide civilian licenses, necessitating training abroad.

Key Takeaways:

  • Skydiving remains a niche sport in India due to high costs and limited access to training facilities.
  • Women pursuing skydiving face gender stereotypes and a male-dominated environment.
  • Mentorship and strong support systems are vital for success in this challenging sport.
  • Surepalli’s journey demonstrates personal resilience and the transformative power of overcoming perceived limitations.
  • Her achievement highlights the need for greater accessibility and inclusivity in adventure sports within India.

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