Ajmal Samuel, a distinguished Pakistani athlete, successful entrepreneur, and veteran of the Pakistan Armed Forces, has recently etched his name in history by becoming Asia’s and Hong Kong’s first qualified disabled (adaptive) paragliding pilot, marking a courageous and inspiring achievement.
Hailing from Hong Kong, Ajmal, a former national-level rowing athlete, embarked on a remarkable journey to South Africa’s Wilderness in the Western Cape region. Despite sustaining a spinal injury in 1987 during his service as a young army officer, Ajmal remained undeterred in his pursuit of flight.
Under the expert guidance of Matthew Van Zyl, a renowned paragliding instructor based in Cape Town, Ajmal underwent rigorous training to realize his dream of flying again. Notably, Van Zyl is not only a certified paragliding instructor but also holds accreditation for instructing individuals with disabilities.
Ajmal’s journey, captured in a special documentary filmed during his intensive training program, serves as a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience. This milestone not only celebrates his personal triumph but also represents a significant advancement for the adaptive paragliding community.
Having secured his pilot’s license, Ajmal now sets his sights on a daring feat: a jump from the 5,895 meters-high Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, aiming to become the first disabled pilot to attempt this world-record achievement.
Before his injury, Ajmal was a qualified fixed-wing glider pilot during his tenure in the armed forces. Despite facing adversity, his passion for flight remained steadfast. Becoming a qualified adaptive paragliding pilot has been the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for Ajmal, demonstrating his remarkable resilience and determination.
“I have always wanted to participate in aviation sports in Hong Kong and Asia…I hope my documentary…will help educate and inspire the disabled community in Asia to look to aviation as a sport that they can participate in as much as able-bodied people,” expressed Ajmal.
Ajmal’s remarkable journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the power of perseverance and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. His historic accomplishment underscores the possibilities for individuals with disabilities in the realm of extreme adventure sports.
Beyond his achievements in paragliding, Ajmal’s professional success as the Founder and CEO of OCTO3 Group Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong-headquartered financial technology and infrastructure provider, reflects his indomitable spirit and determination to excel.
Ajmal’s story stands as a testament to the resilience and potential of individuals with disabilities, inspiring others to pursue their dreams, both personally and professionally.
 paragliding pilot, marking a courageous and inspiring achievement.){kind=link}