Kuldip Patil: India's Voice on the ISF Asia-Pacific Council

Skyrunning is a sport of altitude, technical terrain and long-term vision. Behind every championship and certified course there are people who work to build the sport. For India, one of those people is Mr. Kuldip Patil, who represents Skyrunning Association (India) (SAI) on the Asia-Pacific Council of the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF).

What is a Continental Council?

The ISF describes Continental Councils as regional bodies it recognises. They are responsible for the promotion, development and organisation of skyrunning within a continental or geographic area. They work within the ISF Statutes, Regulations and decisions, and make sure these are applied at continental level.

Councils may also propose and organise continental competitions, including Continental Championships, subject to approval by the competent ISF bodies. Each council must have an Athletes' Committee, so active athletes have a structured voice on matters affecting their participation and welfare. Every council's statutes and governance structure must be approved by the ISF Executive Board before taking effect.

Who sits on the Asia-Pacific Council?

According to the ISF, the Asia-Pacific Council currently includes:

• Erwan Le Bras (JSA, Japan), President
• Munkhzul Mishig (MSF, Mongolia), Vice-President
• Michael Maddess (CSA, Hong Kong, China)
• Kuldip Patil (SAI, India)
• David Byrne (SANZ, Australia)

Kuldip Patil is India's representative on this council. The council brings together national bodies from East Asia, Central Asia, South Asia and Oceania.

Why this matters for Indian skyrunning

India has some of the best mountain terrain in the world, from the Himalaya to the Western Ghats. A seat on the Asia-Pacific Council gives India a voice where continental decisions are made. For Skyrunning Association (India), this can mean:

• Representation: Indian priorities are heard when the region plans competitions and development programmes.
• Connection to continental events: closer awareness of how Continental Championships and regional initiatives are organised.
• Alignment with ISF standards: better understanding of ISF regulations, certified courses and rankings, so Indian races and athletes follow the same standards as the rest of the world.
• A pathway for athletes: more visibility for Indian runners who hold the SAI Card and aim for international competition.

Roots in the Indian skyrunning community

Kuldip Patil's involvement goes back to the domestic scene. News reports of the 3rd National Skyrunning Championship in Srinagar named the Secretary of the Sky Running Association of India as chief guest at the closing ceremony, where certificates and medals were distributed. Teams from Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Delhi, Maharashtra and Punjab took part

What it means for you as a runner

If you run in the mountains in India, this is good news. The people helping to shape the sport in Asia-Pacific include someone from your own national association.

• Create your free participant account with Skyrunning Association (India) to get your SAI Card.
• Read about the sport in our guide, What is Skyrunning?
• Explore where to run in Skyrunning in India: Best Places to Run, All Disciplines Explained & Top Benefits
• See the council list on the official ISF Continental Councils page.

Looking ahead

Skyrunning in India is growing. Having a representative on the ISF Asia-Pacific Council helps connect Indian athletes, organisers and clubs to the continental and global community. Skyrunning Association (India) will keep sharing updates as the region develops.

Skyrunning Association (India) is affiliated to the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF). Council information is sourced from the ISF's official website.