Atiqa Mir, the 9-year-old Indian-origin karting prodigy from Srinagar, is making waves in the racing world by breaking records and inspiring girls globally. She emerged victorious in the UAE IAME National Karting Championship in the Mini R category and secured podium finishes in DAMC and the Middle East Cup in 2023. Atiqa holds the esteemed title of being the highest-ranked female karter globally in the Under-10 category, across any International Automobile Federation (FIA) or Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK) national karting championship. She currently represents the George Gibbons Motorsport (GGM) team and credits her passion for racing to her father, Asif Nazir Mir, who is a well-known racer in India.
Atiqa’s journey into racing began at the tender age of five when she became fascinated by her father’s racing career. She initially started with karting on electronic carts in malls for two months before transitioning to indoor karting on actual tracks with rental cars. At the age of six, her father challenged her to achieve a specific lap time, which she successfully accomplished. Moreover, despite being overweight for her age category initially, she managed to shed eight kilograms in four to five months to enhance her performance on the track. Atiqa is committed to improving her skills and regularly discusses driving techniques and race data with her father during practice sessions.
Expressing her dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver, Atiqa looks up to Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing and aims to achieve unprecedented feats in the racing world. She has an important message for young girls aspiring to excel in sports – to work hard, believe in themselves, and dedicate time to practice. Atiqa encourages girls to embrace their capabilities and not allow anyone to undermine their potential, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-belief in achieving success. As a trailblazer in the male-dominated sport of karting, Atiqa serves as a beacon of inspiration for young girls worldwide, showcasing that gender is not a barrier to pursuing one’s dreams with determination and passion.
In her pursuit of excellence, Atiqa draws inspiration from her father’s illustrious racing career, which includes being India’s first national karting champion in 2000 and competing in prestigious races like the Formula Asia and Barber Dodge Pro Series in the USA. She recognizes the role her father played in nurturing her love for racing and guiding her towards achieving her full potential in the sport. Atiqa’s dedication to karting and her relentless pursuit of success exemplify her resilience and determination to break barriers and carve a niche for herself in the competitive world of motorsport.
At just nine years of age, Atiqa Mir is already making a name for herself in the racing arena, with a string of impressive achievements under her belt. She continues to defy expectations and surpass milestones, setting a high standard for young female racers everywhere. With her fierce determination, unwavering passion, and unwavering belief in her abilities, Atiqa is paving the way for a new generation of female racers to follow in her footsteps and challenge stereotypes in the male-dominated sport of karting. As she continues to push boundaries and shatter records, Atiqa’s legacy serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and determination in achieving greatness.
