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Category: General
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Arindam Ghosh elected fmsci president
Chennai, 25 Sept. 2024: Former rally driver and K1000 winner, Arindam Ghosh of Ramakrishna Race Performance Private Limited, Kolkata, is elected as the president of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci) at the Annual General Body Meeting and election of the office bearers held here at a private hotel on Wednesday.
The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India convened its 51st Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 25th September 2024 here at Chennai. There were a total of 17 Clubs which were eligible to vote and 15 Clubs were eligible to contest and vote based on the Criteria of Performance. FMSCI office bearers are elected for a term of two years. Any office bearer can only serve for a maximum of three terms (six years) as per the guidelines of the Government of India. Arindam Ghosh from Ramakrishna Race Performance Management Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata and Gautam Shantappa B from Karnataka Motor Sports Club, Bengaluru stood for election for President. Arindam Ghosh was elected President. In the case of Vice President, Farooq Ahmed from the Motor Sports Clubs of Chikmagalur was elected Vice President unopposed as the other candidate J Balamurugan (Spitfire Motor Sports Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore) did not get elected to the Council.Election officer lawyer Sriram declared the results and announced that Arindam was elected as President and Farooq Ahmed of Chikmagalur was elected as the Vice President.
Out of the total of 13 Clubs which contested for election to the Council, the following Councillors were elected. 1. Calcutta Motorsports Club, Kolkata: Vir Raina; 2. Coimbatore Auto Sports Club, Coimbatore: J. Prithiviraj; 3. Indian Automotive Racing Club, Mumbai: Farokh Commissariat; 4. Karnataka Motor Sports Club, Bengaluru: B. S. Gautam; 5. Madras Motor Sports Club, Chennai: Bharat Vicky Chandhok; 6. Ramakrishna Race Performance Management, Kolkata: Arindam Ghosh; 7. Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur, Chikkamagaluru: Khazi Farooq Ahmed; 8, Northern Motorsports, Noida: Raj Kapoor; 9. Motor Sports Association of Eastern India, Kolkata: Saurav Chatterjee; 10. Just Sportz Management Private Limited, Kolkata: Tamal Ghosh;
New office bearers of fmsci -
Gautam Shanthappa and Arindam Ghosh locked in a tight battle for fmsci president post
Chennai, 22 September 2024: President of the Karnataka Motor Sports Club (KMSC) Gautam Shanthappa, who is also the current vice-president of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci), has filed his nomination for the post of President of the fmsci in the elections to be held during the Annual General Body Meeting to be held at Hotel Trident, here on Wednesday, the 25th of September.
Arindam Ghosh of Ramakrishna Race Performance Management Private Limited, (RRPM) Kolkata, is the only other nomination filed for the post of fmsci President which falls vacant after the incumbent Akbar Ebrahim finishes his tenure. Ghosh headed RRPM which was the INRC promoter for three years from 2013. After the last date for nominations, two nominations were received for the post of President and Vice-President.
Coimbatore’s J. Balamurugan of Spitfire Motorsports Private Limited, filed his nomination as the vice-presidential candidate while Farooq Ahmed, also filed his nomination for the post of VP against Balamurugan. Ahmed is a multiple times National champion co-driver and is also part of Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur, which used to conduct the Coffee Day Rally. Apart from these two crucial posts, 13 nominations were filed for the post of councillors.
Arindam Ghosh’s nomination was proposed by Saurav Chatterjee, Kolkata Automotive Sports Association, Tamal Ghosh of Just Sportz Management, Kolkata, seconded it. Akbar Ebrahim, Meco Motorsports, proposed the name of B.S. Gautham while C. Rajaram of Spit Fire Motorsports seconded it. Farooq Ahmed’s name was proposed for the post of vice-president by former fmsci president J. Prithiviraj and seconded by Arindam Ghosh. J. Balamurugan’s name name was proposed as vice-president by Gautam of KMSC and seocnded by Akbar Ebrahim, Meco Motorsports.
The Electoral College consists of 17 members including the five permanent members of the Federation. The 17 clubs will have their representatives to vote on behalf of them and each will have one vote, provided the club owes no dues. They are:
1. Calcutta Motorsports Club, Kolkata: Vir Raina;
2. Coimbatore Auto Sports Club, Coimbatore: J. Prithiviraj;
3. Indian Automotive Racing Club, Mumbai: Farokh Commissariat;
4. Karnataka Motor Sports Club, Bengaluru: B. S. Gautam;
5. Madras Motor Sports Club, Chennai: Bharat Vicky Chandhok;
6. Bengal Motor Sports Club, Kolkata: Pratim Chowdhury;
7. Indian Motor Sports Marshals Club, Chennai: Manoj Dalal;
8. Just Sports Management Private Limited, Kolkata: Suchandan Das;
9. Kolkata Automotive Sports Association, Kolkata: Surav Chatterjee;
10. Meco Motor Sports Private Limited, Chennai: Akbar Ebrahim;
11. Motor Sports Club of Chikmagalur, Chikkamagaluru: Khazi Farooq Ahmed;
12. Northern Motorsports, Noida: Raj Kapoor;
13. Performance Cars Racing Trust, New Delhi (formerly represented by Hardy): Proxy -To Be Announced;
14. Ramakrishna Race Performance Management, Kolkata: Arindam Ghosh;
15. Spitfire Motor Sports Private Limited, Coimbatore: C. Rajaram;
16. Malwa Motor Sports Club, Indore: Dr. Afzal Bunglowala;
17. Motor Sports Association of Eastern India, Kolkata: Saurav Chatterjee*
Note: Saurav Chatterjee name is given for two clubs; It is not clear if it is an error or he would represent two clubs.
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Mika Hakkinen opens Madras International Karting Arena, aka MIKA
Chennai, 19 Sept. 2024: Double Formula One World Champion Mika Hakkinen flagged off Indian motorsports on a new and exciting journey when he inaugurated the state-of-the-art Madras International Karting Arena (M.I.K.A.), here on Thursday at a gala and landmark ceremony that was attended by India’s two former F1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok.
Hakkinen, on a whistle-stop visit to Chennai enroute to Singapore for the F1 Grand Prix, was received on his arrival at the airport by Madras Motor Sports Club vice-president Vicky Chandhok and was brought to the MIC for the launch ceremony that the traditional lighting of the lamp and unveiling a commemorative tablet which will be on display at the MIKA circuit.
At an emotionally charged function after Hakkinen, the F1 champion in 1998 and 1999, and popularly known as the “Flying Finn”, posed for a group photograph with young karting drivers, he provided an insight into the mind and making of a World Champion. “I like MIKA because it is my name too!” he declared but added on a serious note: “You must learn to lose and enjoy the win, and to control your emotions. As you move up the racing ladder, it is a whole different World out there. There is a lot of pressure from family, friends and teams. So, you must be able to deal with the pressure. But everything is up here,” he said, pointing to his temple.
On prompted by Karun Chandhok during a one-on-one interview, Hakkinen spoke at length about his Formula One career, especially his inability to win a single race for six years after debut before tasting success by winning two back-to-back World Championship titles. He also touched upon his rivalry with seven times World Champion Michael Schumacher. “You learn a lot watching Michael though, at times, he can be a bit naughty,” said Hakkinen.
Later, Hakkinen, along with Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok, performed demonstration laps on the MIKA track in specially prepared electric karts after the traditional lighting of lamp and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A bunch of 34 drivers, in their own karts, did a processional run watched by a huge crowd of MMSC members, invitees and Media.
Later, at an impromptu Media interaction, Hakkien was all praise for the MIKA track which he said can spawn a generation of talented drivers in India. “Karting is a good way to start your racing career, and this MIKA track offers a wonderful platform for kids to make a beginning. I hope they enjoy their karting stint,” he said.
Hakkinen singled out Kush Maini as possibly the next Indian to make it to Formula One. “Kush Maini is good. He is doing well in F2. I feel he has it in him to go all the way to F1,” he opined.
Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first F1 driver, too heaped praise on the MIKA circuit, describing it as challenging, but a driver’s delight. “The kids have to first learn the track which is fun to drive on, but challenging too with its layout,” he said.
MMSC president Ajit Thomas, also present at the Media interaction, said: “We have big plans to conduct major international events at MIKA circuit. That is one of the reasons why we undertook the project besides contributing our mite to promoting the sport at grassroot level.”
Conceived and developed by the Madras Motor Sports Club, the 1.2-km long MIKA circuit, designed by UK-based Driven International in active consultation with Karun Chandhok, is the first of its kind in India, and located in the premises of the iconic Madras International Circuit, in Sriperumbudur, about 40 Kms from Chennai.
Incidentally, the foundation stone for the Madras International Circuit was laid by three times F1 World Champion Jackie Stewart, also known as the “Flying Scot”.
Built to exacting global standards, complete with floodlights, sophisticated control room and a holding area with charging facilities for electric go-karts, the MIKA will be open to the public for leisure activity and competitions. The facility is still a work in progress as there are major plans to make it attractive for family outings and corporate activities.
Hakkinen said in a statement: “This is my first visit to Chennai, and it’s been my pleasure to open the MIKA circuit today along with India’s only two F1 drivers, Narain and Karun.
“Karting is such an important first step for any driver today as they begin their journey towards Formula 1. The investment made by the Madras Motor Sports Club into this facility will be a big step towards preparing the future racing drivers from India.
“The layout of the circuit is really interesting for the drivers with a good mix of corners. It will be challenging and fun for the drivers and combined with the latest CIK (the World governing body for Karting) safety standards, it really is comparable with the top Karting tracks in the World.”
MMSC secretary Prabha Shanker delivered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the ceremony that the Titan Edge and GMT partnered the Madras Motor Sports Club.
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Moodubidire Adventure Drive 2024, a huge success
Moodabidri, 27 August 2024: The 4th edition of the Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) rally, Moodubidire Adventure Drive 2024, which attracted 35 participants from across South India, concluded successfully here on Sunday.
Moodubidire, traditionally known for its educational institutions, is now emerging as a new hub for motorsports, and in the forefront of this new interest are the efforts of the Tribhuvan Automotive Sports Club (TASC) and the Bedra Adventure Club (BAC), whose initiatives have attracted the cream of talent and propelled interest in the sport in this region.
The event, rooted in a motorsports history that dates back to 1988, was further strengthened in 2013 when BAC joined forces with TASC. This year’s rally marked a significant milestone, continuing to build on the legacy of motorsports in the region. Abhayachandra Jain, Former Minister for Fisheries, Youth Services, and Sports in the Government of Karnataka, inaugurated the event in the presence of Kuldeep M, President of TASC, and Akshay Jain, President of BAC.
The Indian Motor Sports Club (IMSC) played a crucial role in organising and providing technical support for the TSD event, ensuring it adhered to the high standards set by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci). It’s involvement has not only added prestige to the event but enhanced the standards of organising and it also highlights the growing recognition for Moodabidri, as the new hub of motorsports activities.
Moodubidire Adventure Drive 2024 participants and winners The closing ceremony was a grand affair, which saw notable motorsport athletes being felicitated. The ceremony was graced by Vivek Alva, Managing Trustee of Alvas Education Foundation, Abhijeet M, Secretary of TASC, Pratap Jain, Treasurer of TASC, along with Kuldeep and Akshay, Presidents of TASC and BAC, respectively. The event garnered praise from the Tourism Department of Karnataka and the Coastal Tourism Department of Mangalore, who commended the organisers for their efforts in promoting motorsports.
In the various competitive categories, the winners were celebrated for their outstanding performances. In the Novice class, Sampath Gowda and Vinay took the top spot, followed by Umar Farooq and Praveen Perera in second place, and Koushik and Sachin in third.
The Doctor category saw Vinoy Prasad and Swopna Rai clinching first place, with Smrithi Shetty and Shibin Girish taking second, and Mahaveera Jain and Rakshit Kumar finishing third.
The Start Arch and the people who made the start possible at the Moodubidire Adventure Drive 2024. Photos arranged by organisers The Couple category was led by Shrutha Jayant and Jayanth M Jain, followed by Joshil Kumar and Priyanka in second place, and Shaewari and Abhinanta in third.
In the Bedra category, Raksha Balal and Vikram Jain emerged victorious, with Pradeep K and Sanjeet Jain in second place, and Rizhwan and Imran in third.
The Club category saw Akhil Nayak and Chiranth Jain taking the top honors, followed by Zahir Manipady and Vinoth Kumar in second place, and Dilip Kumar Jain and Samruda Pai in third.
The Corporate category was won by AbulalaPuthige and Saravana Kumar, followed by Darshan and Pradeep in second place, and Vishwak Kasturi and Vivek Tripathi in third.
In the Expert category was won by David Sharon and Meghana Sarkar who defeated Kartik Maruthi and Shankar Anand and AbulalaPuthige and Saravana Kumar finished third.
Certificates were presented to several individuals who made significant contributions to motorsports. Among those honoured were Musa Sherif, recognised for his outstanding role as a co-driver and his extensive contributions to Indian motorsports, and Ashwin Naik, celebrated for his achievements on both national and international rally circuits.
Dr Sajeesh Reghunathan, MPT, was acknowledged for his dual expertise in motorsports and physiotherapy, while Aroor Vikram Rao was honoured for his remarkable rallying career.
Prathijna Shetty, Vikram Rao, Dean Mascarenas, Sudeep Kotari, and Adan Ahmed were also recognised for their dedication and accomplishments in the sport.
The Indian Motor Sports Club (IMSC) received special recognition for its pivotal role in organising and conducting the TSD event, highlighting the collective efforts that have made this event a success.
The Moodubidire Adventure Drive 2024 concluded with the promise of future events, continuing to nurture the passion for motorsports in the region. The organisers expressed their gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the event’s success.
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Eurosport India to broadcast MotoGP races again
Mumbai, 22 February 2024: Eurosport India reacquired the broadcast rights for MotoGP in India and South Asia region and the premier Motorcycle World Championship conducted by promoters Dorna on behalf of world body FIM will be eagerly awaited sporting spectacle.
Eurosport India, from the house of Warner Bros., Discovery and the go-to destination for passionate sports fans, has been the home for motorsports in India. It has signed a three-year deal with Dorna, the commercial rights holder, to broadcast MotoGP.
Eurosport India broadcast the MotoGP races from 2020 to 2022, igniting widespread enthusiasm for the sport throughout India. Now, as MotoGP makes its way back to Eurosport for the 2024 season, fans can anticipate an exhilarating 21-race calendar kicking off with the QatarGP on March 8.
Eurosport India has obtained the broadcast rights for MotoGP in India, thanks to a new agreement with Dorna via Fairstreet Sports, the promoter of the Indian Grand Prix.
Anurag Singh Thakur, Honourable Union Minister, Ministry of Information and Broadcast and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said: “We are delighted to welcome Eurosport as the TV broadcast partner for MotoGP in India. This collaboration between Eurosport and MotoGP is not just about bringing the world’s premier motorcycle racing to our screens; it’s a testament to the growing appetite for international sports in the country. I am profoundly encouraged by the potential this partnership holds for elevating the sports broadcasting infrastructure and culture in our country. It will undoubtedly inspire more young athletes and enthusiasts to pursue their passion for motorsports, contributing significantly to our nation’s sporting legacy.”
Daniel Rossomondo, Chief Commercial Officer – Dorna Sports said: “Eurosport is a pre-eminent destination for sports fans as well as a hub of motorsport in India. We believe this makes Eurosport the perfect platform to showcase this thrilling sport to all our fans in India. I’m excited to see 2024 get in gear and I know that our riders can deliver an outstanding performance for everyone to enjoy.”
Arjun Nowhar, General Manager – South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery,said: “We are delighted to announce the return of MotoGP to our loyal fans across India. It brings us immense pleasure to see fans throughout the country enjoying all the races from the comfort of their homes, and we eagerly anticipate the second MotoGP Bharat race later this year.”
Pushkar Nath Srivastava, CEO, Fairstreet Sports said: “We are thrilled to join synergies with Eurosport for the broadcast of MotoGP Bharat. This partnership marks a significant step towards giving MotoGP fans in India and worldwide a thrilling experience via Eurosport’s extensive linear coverage of the sport and their commitment to deliver high quality viewing experience. We look forward to working together and expanding the reach of the sport to existing and new fans alike.”
Eurosport India has been a go to destination for all motorsport enthusiasts with their wide range of offerings which include NASCAR, Bennetts British Superbikes and more. Over the years, Eurosport have also broadcasted F2, WorldSBK, FIM-EWC, FIA-WEC, DTM, SpeedwayGP, W-Series.
About Warner Bros. Discovery – Eurosport India
Eurosport India, Warner Bros. Discovery’s premium sports brand, represents WBD’s portfolio of sports channels and platforms in the Indian market. It engages fans and broad audiences with sports from all across the globe. Eurosport India is the home to some of the most exclusive sports properties around the globe including Pro Wrestling, Tour de France, PGA Tour, Table Tennis, Tennis, Motorsport, Cricket and Football to name a few in the Indian market. All these sports can also be enjoyed by fans on their OTT platform discovery+ app.
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Harith Noah gets fmsci special Motorsports athlete award for his Dakar exploits
Chennai, 21 February 2024: A franchise-based two-wheeler racing league is scheduled to be launched in India later this year, according to Akbar Ebrahim, President, Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India.
Speaking at the FMSCI Annual Awards function here today, Ebrahim said: “We have plans to launch a two-wheeler racing league this year. This will be in addition to the existing 2W Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) and Indian Racing League (4W). These franchise-based leagues will expand the Indian motorsport horizon.
“Last year, we conducted the FIM MotoGP which was appreciated throughout the World as we put together a fantastic event. We thank the UP government for its whole-hearted support. FMSCI thanks the volunteers, officials, marshals and those involved in the technical side of the sport. The eyes of the World are now on India as we occupy a special place in the global motorsport fraternity.”
Ebrahim stated that the night races in Chennai, as part of the Indian Racing League, have received the go-ahead following a High Court verdict. “We would like to thank the Tamil Nadu government for all the support extended in making it happen,” he said.
Special awards were presented to Kerala’s Harith Noah, the Class 2 winner and 11th Overall in the grueling Dakar 2024 Rally, and Prarthana Murugavel (Bengaluru), the gold medallist in Karting Slalom at the FIA Asia-Pacific Motorsport Championship.
Rivaan Dev Preetham, the 10-year-old Chennai lad, received a rousing reception for being the youngest awardee as he received the trophy for winning the Micro Max title in the MECO-FMSCI Rotax Max National Karting Championship.
In all, 105 champions across 11 disciplines, both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, apart from promoters and sponsors, were presented with the awards.
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Udhayanidhi Stalin launches new Chennai Street Circuit, which is set to host IRL
Chennai, 16 August 2023: After creating and establishing a historic Hyderabad street circuit, which successfully held the first Indian Formula E Championship, Indian Racing League is all set to create history as it launches the Chennai Street Circuit for the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT). The much-awaited Street Circuit, only the second in India, is launched by Tamil Nadu’s Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin here on Wednesday.
The new Street Circuit to set to host the night races, a first in Indian Motorsports. Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), the promoter of the F4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League (IRL) is also the exclusive rights holder of 4W-motorsports league in India. Today, amidst fanfar, RPPL launched a street circuit in Chennai, the motorsports capital of India.
Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), roped in the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), the two crucial partners, to collaborate with RPPL, the promoter of Indian Racing League and F4 Indian Championship.
The 3.5-km layout located around the Island Grounds in the heart of the city, will host the first-ever night race in Asia. The Chennai Formula Racing Circuit is set to host the F4 Indian Championship and the Indian Racing League’s last leg on December 9 and 10, later this year, where drivers from Indian and abroad will take part. Six lady drivers will also showcase their talent as in the IRL last year.
Dr Atulya Misra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Youth Welfare and Sports Development, J Meghanath Reddy, IAS, Member Secretary, SDAT, Akbar Ebrahim, President of Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (fmsci) and Akhilesh Reddy, MD of RRPL, also spoke. Armaan Ibrahim and Abhinandhan, Directors of RPPL were present and detailed the media about the event.
About RPPL: Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL) is the exclusive rights holder of 4W motorsports in India and is engaged in the business of developing IPs and organising championships in motorsports. Founded in 2018 by Armaan Ebrahim, Aditya Patel and Abhinandan, Racing Promotions is majority-owned by Akhilesh Reddy of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), a diversified conglomerate in infrastructure, energy and defence.
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Jaden Pariat selected for Ferrari Driver Academy trials
Banbury (UK) 16 August 2023: Rising Indian motorsport star Jaden R Pariat has been invited to the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) selection trials, as one of the best young talents in the Asia Pacific and Oceania region.
The prestigious Ferrari Academy selection trials begin on September 23 at Sepang. The drivers will take part in track walks, engineer meetings, fitness testing, and importantly time behind the wheel of a Tatuus FIA F4-T421 machine on track. The top five drivers then head to the FDA Scouting World Finals in Maranello.
Jaden Pariat who moved to the UK in 2022, is taking part in the full F4 British Championship with Phinsys by Argenti team. On his impressive debut weekend, the then 15-year-old scored a spot on the Rookie Cup podium, exemplifying his winning potential before getting a memorable podium victory at Donington Park.
While more than 100 drivers applied the Ferrari Driver Academy programme, Jaden is selected as one of 25 drivers for six different countries who will now head to Sepang International Circuit for the five-day assessment process.
Announcing the selection result Jaden Pariat said from his base in UK: “I am extremely happy to have been chosen to take part in the Ferrari Driver Academy selection trials in Malaysia. I have learned so much in almost a year of racing in the F4 British Championship and looking forward to trials for the Ferrari Driver Academy.”
“It will be an enjoyable five days I am sure and there will be plenty for me to take away from the experience. But I am definitely going in with the intention of making it to the final five and hopefully, heading to Maranello for the World Finals,” the Shillong driver added.
The Scuderia Ferrari programme aims to bring on talented youngsters and takes its inspiration from a comment made by Enzo Ferrari: “I love to think that Ferrari can make drivers as well as cars.” The Ferrari Driver Academy is not just a race driving school. It is a true academy where all aspects of their chosen profession are taught in a meticulous manner. Over the years, many of the Academy students have gone on to race at a high level. Charles Leclerc and Mick Schumacher among others made it all the way to Formula 1.
Michael Smith of Motorsport Australia, who will be conducting the trials, said:“We’re looking forward to hosting 25 of the best young drivers from the Asia Pacific region. It’s exciting to see more drivers from outside of Australia in the FDA selections.”
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Racing prodigy Shreyas Hareesh dies in racing incident
Chennai, August 5: Copparam Shreyas Hareesh, a 13-year-old prodigy from Bengaluru, succumbed to injuries he suffered following a crash in the third round of the MRF MMSC fmsci Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2023 at the Madras International Circuit, here on Saturday. Promoter of the event, Madras Motor Sports Club, cancelled the remaining races scheduled for today and tomorrow.
Born on July 26, 2010, Shreyas, a student of Kensri School in Bengaluru, was being hailed as a rising star, as he had won several races at the National level, including four in a row, competing in the Rookie category of the Petronas TVS One-Make Championship this season.
Shreyas Hareesh, poses for our Photographer Rahul Reghu, after qualifying on pole, a couple of hours before he passed away in an unfortunate three bike collusion at MIC on Saturday. The incident occurred soon after the start of the Rookie race for which he had qualified for pole position this morning. Exiting Turn-1, Shreyas fell following a crash and suffered grievous head injury.
The race was red-flagged immediately and he was rushed to a nearby hospital in a trauma care ambulance stationed at the track. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. His father, Copparam Hareesh was at his bedside.
MMSC president Ajit Thomas said: “It is tragic to have lost a rider so young and talented. Shreyas, who was making waves with his prodigious racing talent, was provided medical assistance on the spot immediately after the incident and taken to the hospital.
Photo by Anand Philar just before the race. Later on Saturday, Shreyas passed away in following an accident. “Under the circumstances, we have decided to cancel rest of this weekend’s programme. The MMSC offers heart-felt condolences and our thoughts are with his family.”
In May this year, Shreyas, having won the MiniGP India title, had participated in the MiniGP races in Spain, finishing both races in fifth and fourth positions. He was scheduled to compete in the MSBK Championship 2023 at Sepang Circuit, Malaysia, in August, representing team CRA Motorsports in the 250cc category (Group B).
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Bharat Ke Anmol award for Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation
New Delhi, 2 Aug 2023: Hyderabad-based Vamcy Merla Sports Foundation became the first sports body to receive the prestigious Bharat Ke Anmol award during a glittering ceremony at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on Tuesday evening.
The Foundation’s chairman Mr Vamcy Merla accepted the coveted award, bestowed on him for promoting talented but financially challenged boys and girls across several sports, ranging from soccer, roller-skating, kabaddi, badminton to motorsports.
Bharat Ke Anmol, is one of its kind National Award, acknowledges and celebrates eminent personalities in India who have not only risen above the rest in their field of speciality but have also done yeoman service to the society and to the disadvantaged.
Padmasree Dr Vijay Kumar Shah (a prominent Social Activist), Dr. T.S. Rao (Father of Vaccines), Dr SM Khan (Doordarshan Director-General, News), Air Commodore Rashid Zafar Qureshi (Kargil veteran), Mir Mothesham (former Mr World silver medallist) and Smt Chandrakala Padia (eminent scholar) were among the elite personalities who were feted.
“My father Late Shri Merla Chandrashekara Rao used to run several charitable trusts and provide every kind of assistance to the poor and downtrodden. I’ve been inspired by him,” Mr Merla said while receiving the award. “As for me, I have been passionate about motorsports all my life. That’s why I am supporting events, racers, rallyists and drivers at several levels. I am grateful for being chosen for this prestigious award. I now feel motivated to do more,” he added.
“Mr Merla has changed the face of Indian motorsports with his foundation. We hope this award encourages him to help other sports and sportspersons,” Dr. Mohammad Nizamuddin and Dr Venkata Ganjam, the brains behind the Bharat Ke Anmol initiative, said.
