Union Sports Minister Assures Support to Kashmiri Racing Prodigy Atiqa Mir in Pursuit of Formula 1 | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has assured full support to 11-year-old Indian racing sensation Atiqa Mir as she pursues her ambition of reaching Formula 1, following her recent success at the Champions of the Future Academy (COTFA) championship in Greece.

Mandaviya met Atiqa and her family at his residence on Sunday, where he congratulated the young racer on her achievements and offered assistance in her development journey in international motorsport.

Atiqa, the first Indian driver to receive support from the F1 Academy, said the minister appreciated her recent performances and assured her of all possible help in achieving her goal of securing a Formula One seat.

“Thank you sir for the encouragement and all the valuable advice. Hon’ble Minister appreciated my recent performances that have made India proud. He also assured me all possible help and support in securing my dream of a Formula One Seat,” Atiqa wrote on social media.

The Sports Minister also shared photographs of the meeting on social media.

The interaction comes shortly after Atiqa scripted history in Greece by becoming only the third driver in Champions of the Future Academy history to complete a clean sweep of a championship round. During Round 2.2 of the series, she topped qualifying and heat races before clinching victory in the final by a commanding margin.

Atiqa is regarded as one of India’s brightest emerging motorsport talents and has gained international attention through her performances on the global karting circuit.

The meeting also comes amid renewed efforts by Mandaviya to promote motorsport in the country, with the minister expressing interest in bringing Formula 1 back to India. The country last hosted a Formula One Grand Prix in 2013.