Bengaluru:The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force will commemorate its 30th anniversary at Air Force Station Bidar on May 26, celebrating three glorious decades of breath-taking air displays across India and abroad, officials said on Saturday.

Popularly known as the “Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force”, the nine aircraft formation acrobatic team has inspired millions through professional flying in close formation encompassing thrilling manoeuvres at low levels, they said.

According to a statement issued by the defence wing of the press information bureau, the team, “Suryakiran” - meaning “Rays of the Sun” - was formed on May 27, 1996 at Air Force Station Bidar, initially flying the Kiran Mk-II aircraft.

In September 1996, the team made its public debut with a spectacular display in Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), marking the beginning of an inspiring journey in precision aerobatics.

Officials noted that over the past three decades, Suryakiran has conducted more than 800 breath-taking air displays, captivating audiences across India and abroad, including China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

“Continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence, SKAT operates the iconic Red and White Hawk Mk-132 aircraft since 2015 in its signature nine-aircraft formation,” it said.

The team pilots undertake rigorous and intensive training to master complex aerobatic manoeuvres with flawless coordination, forming the foundation of their close formation flying, they said.

The 30th anniversary celebrations at Air Force Station Bidar will be a tribute to the spirit of the Indian Air Force and it will also honour all the members of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team who have contributed towards making SKAT one of the finest aerobatic teams in the world, the statement added.

Mumbai, UP in final of Disability cricket tourney

Bengaluru:Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh booked their places in the final of the 5th Elite National Physical Disability Cricket Championship 2026 with contrasting victories. Mumbai produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Maharashtra by 45 runs in the first semifinal on Friday.

Mumbai posted 152/8 with Aakash Patil scoring an unbeaten 41 off just 18 deliveries, including five fours and two sixes. In reply, Maharashtra were bowled out for 107 in 18 overs with Mumbai’s Rohan Bhoir claiming 5/12, while Ravindra Sante took three wickets.

In the second semifinal, Uttar Pradesh clinched a tight four-wicket win over Haryana. Haryana were bowled out for 98 in 16.4 overs with Sadik claiming three crucial wickets. Kumar Rahul and Vintoo Yadav also chipped in with two wickets each. In reply, Uttar Pradesh chased down the target in 17 overs. The final will be heldat the Sports Garden Cricket Ground here on Sunday.