Introducing Divya Surepalli: Breaking Barriers as Andhra Pradesh’s Trailblazing First Licensed Civilian Woman Skydiver!
At 37, Divya Surepalli has carved out a unique niche in Indian sports, becoming the first licensed civilian woman skydiver from Andhra Pradesh. Her achievement places her among a select group of fewer than 20 women in the nation who have ventured beyond a singular tandem jump into the exciting yet challenging world of skydiving. A native of Visakhapatnam, Divya holds a postgraduate degree in Environmental Engineering from Germany. The idea of skydiving lingered with her for years, but it wasn’t until a trip to the United States that it almost materialized. She had aimed for a tandem jump, but unfavorable weather thwarted her plans, leading her to contemplate the possibility of pursuing training and certification instead.
A pivotal moment in Divya’s skydiving journey came when she attended an Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course in Moscow alongside Shweta Parmar, one of India’s pioneering civilian women skydivers. Although weather interruptions limited her experiences at Drop Zone Krutitcy, Divya remained determined to complete her certification. After completing initial jumps in Moscow, she faced further challenges that necessitated her relocation to Thailand for the remaining jumps required for her license.
Earning an A license, the inaugural level of solo skydiving certification, involves completing a minimum of 25 jumps, passing assessments, and demonstrating freefall and canopy control skills. Despite her 29 logged jumps meeting the criteria, the path was far from easy. A disorienting spin during freefall momentarily shook her confidence and sparked doubts about her abilities. Alex Troshyn, her instructor and mentor, provided reassurance that setbacks are part of training, reigniting her resolve.
Thailand presented its own set of challenges during multiple jumps, including unexpected wind shifts that jeopardized her landing. In one instance, Divya had to choose between landing on an asbestos roof-almost guaranteeing injury-or risking a swampy area. She made a strategic decision to land near a cluster of trees, which resulted in a surprisingly controlled landing despite the chaos leading up to it. Another jump required quick corrections to avoid electric poles, highlighting the need for precise decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Support systems, particularly mentorship, played an essential role in Divya’s journey. Gaining her family’s acceptance took time, especially convincing her mother, who ultimately requested to video call before and after each jump for reassurance. This bond strengthened their mutual understanding of her passion.
Access remains a significant hurdle for aspiring skydivers in India, where only one drop zone offers tandem jumps and none provide civilian licenses. The costs associated with training abroad, estimated at around ₹5 lakh for her first license, can deter many potential athletes from pursuing the sport. Gender dynamics also add complexity, as Divya noted the male-dominated nature of skydiving. While she has encountered dismissive attitudes, supportive and professional male counterparts have balanced her experience, helping her navigate moments of self-doubt.
Describing herself as shy and ambiverted, Divya acknowledges that skydiving has transformed her self-perception, enhancing her awareness and decision-making skills. Today, she is part of an informal network of civilian women skydivers in India who share tips and encouragement. With a commitment to fitness that includes daily runs, Divya approaches skydiving with a focus on persistence rather than thrill-seeking, illustrating her quiet resolve to embrace challenges head-on.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sport/meet-divya-surepalli-andhra-pradeshs-first-licenced-civilian-woman-skydiver/article70564222.ece
Category : Sport
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-01-30 12:16:00
