New Delhi

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On the occasion of World Skydiving Day on Saturday (July 13), Indian Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat skydived from an aircraft. According to media reports, the dive took place at Skyhigh, India's only civilian skydiving drop zone at Narnaul airstrip, Haryana.

Tourism Minister Shekhawat was getting lessons in skydiving before he took off and jumped from an aircraft. The video of the jump, which has gone viral on social media, showed the instructor adjusting Shekhawat's neck as the two were about to jump.

Here's a look at the video:

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'Super excited'

Following the thrilling experience, Shekhawat told reporters that he was super excited and enjoyed it. "Today is a thrilling day for me but, more importantly, it is an important day for the world and the world of aerosports, because World Skydiving Day is being celebrated for the first time," Shekhawat said.

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"Thousands of Indians used to enjoy these sports in Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand and other places and they will now get to experience it here. This will also boost tourism. I have flagged off India's first skydiving aircraft and I wish great success to the team," the tourism minister added.

He also pointed out that the government would like to encourage skydiving in more places in India, including the states of Madhya Pradesh and Goa.

About World Skydiving Day

The World Skydiving Day on July 13 began this year and the annual celebration would repeat each year on the second Saturday in July. 

According to the initiative's website, World Skydiving Day involves the participation of six skydiving associations, including the United States Parachute Association, the Australian Parachute Federation, and British Skydiving. 

(With inputs from agencies)