For most, flying is about airplanes. For Rishav, it has always been about the raw, unfiltered freedom of skydiving. From the age of 12, staring out of an aircraft window and dreaming of what it might feel like to soar through clouds, that vision has never left him. Today, Rishav Chakraborty stands as the First Civilian Skydiver from Assam and the First Male Civilian Skydiver from Northeast India, breaking new ground in adventure sports for the region.

Rishav began obsessively researching how to become a professional skydiver, reaching out to pioneers in the sport worldwide just after his boards.

Right after completing his bachelor’s degree in 2018, Rishav announced what many thought was impossible: he wanted to make skydiving his career. India had no formal skydiving schools, no infrastructure, and no clear pathways. His parents stood by him, encouraging him to explore aviation in the meantime, but his answer was firm
“I do not want to fly in a machine, I want to fly.”

Despite India lacking in formal skydiving training centers at the time, he pressed forward.

To fund his training, Rishav worked five years in corporate jobs, saving every rupee he could. He moved to Bangalore, living frugally, juggling rent, cooking his meals and even freelancing in media. And all while researching the best drop zones across the world.

But each option seemed to close its doors:

• USA: Offered the best training (USPA license) but visa delays post-COVID were impossible.

• Australia: Excellent schools, but financially out of reach.

• Thailand: Close to India, but monsoons ruined the season.

• France (Alps): His best hope. Rishav personally wrote to Vincent Descols, the French skydiver who won the 2016 World Wingsuit League Championship one of the most respected names in the sport. To his astonishment, Vincent replied within 24 hours, offering to train him with another legend, Ambroise Serrano.

It felt like destiny. Vincent even helped with documents and visa paperwork. But despite months of effort, Rishav’s visa was rejected twice.

The blow was crushing. On his birthday, Rishav received a message from Vincent:
“Sad as well to see how our supposedly modern world still behaves like a century ago in terms of borders and boundaries… Happy to hear your strong motivation and will power. I am sure you will achieve your dream and that we’ll fly together someday! Happy Birthday.”

Those words, from a world champion he had admired, kept him going when everything seemed lost.

Finally, one last option remained: Russia. Despite the risks of a war-torn region, he took the chance. And it turned out to be the greatest decision of his life, Russia gave him his wings.

WHERE HE STANDS TODAY:

• Current License: USPA B-License Skydiver

• Jump Count: Growing rapidly with every training season

• Disciplines in Focus: Freefly, Wingsuit BASE, Speedflying

• Goal: To become an internationally recognized skydiver representing India, and to inspire future athletes from regions without infrastructure.

RIshav Chakraborty is a member of HQ4A2 Community. For him skydiving is not just adrenaline, it is humility, discipline, trust and showing that passion can rewrite destiny.