Atiqa Mir, the 9-year-old motorsport sensation who is the fastest Indian girl on four wheels, has been selected for the first selection process of Switzerland-based women’s motorsport team, Iron Dames’ new Young Talents initiative. The initiative aims to identify and develop young karting enthusiasts between the ages of eight and 13, who dream of a career in motorsport. The date for the first selection round has been set for July 29-30 in Franciacorta, Italy. Atiqa is the only Asian karter and also the youngest to be selected among 11 girls from around the world.
The Iron Dames achieved historic victories and breakthroughs at the height of World Endurance Racing, including becoming the first all-female team to win a race in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2023. The Young Talents initiative will represent the next generation of female motorsport stars from their stables.
“I am truly honored to be selected for the Iron Dames young talent selection process. This motivates me even more to perform and improve my driving skills. I will work hard and prepare better than ever to come out ahead in the selections and make India proud,” Atiqa said.
Atiqa was selected from a long list of candidates from across the world, selected based on various parameters. Each application was meticulously reviewed by the Iron Dames screening cell, who assessed candidates based on their passion, determination, motorsport experience and the strength of their career aspirations.
The selected participants represent a diverse range of nationalities, reflecting the global reach and inclusive spirit of the Iron Dames project.
All shortlisted candidates will be assessed through rigorous scouting events, which include parameters such as driving skills, commitment, work ethic and ability to reflect the values and attitude of the Iron Ladies.
“Atiqa is a regular participant in our MECO FMSCI National Karting Championship – Rotax Max. We congratulate her on this achievement and wish her the best in the selection rounds,” said VS Shrikant, Deputy General Secretary, Federation of Motor Sports Clubs from India.
The evaluation will be carried out with the support of experts from the Italian motorsport team PREMA Racing. Exceptional talent discovered through this process will have the opportunity to join the Iron Dames family, benefiting from personalized development programs, mentorship from experienced motorsport professionals and access to world-class training facilities.
Atiqa is the IAME UAE national runner-up and also has multiple wins and titles to her name in different parts of the world. Atiqa recently competed in the MECO RMC Indian National Karting Championship and finished runner-up in the first round. Atiqa will be in India again this weekend driving for MSPORT in round two at the MECO Kartopia Track in Bengaluru.
–IANS
aaa/bsk/
(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Topics mentioned in this article
This story originally appeared on ndtv.com read the full story
