ATIQA MIR : SHORTLISTED FOR IRON DAMES NEW YOUNG TALENTS INITIATIVE

Atiqa Mir, a 9-year-old racing prodigy from Srinagar’s Nishat area, has been selected as one of the 11 girls worldwide for the inaugural selection process of the Iron Dames’s Young Talents initiative.

She is shattering speed limits and gender barriers. At an age when most children are still playing with toys, leaving grown men in her rear-view mirror on the racetrack.

Among the shortlisted candidates, Atiqa is the only Asian karter. The first selection round is slated for July 29-30 in Franciacorta, Italy.

The Iron Dames have achieved considerable progress in endurance racing, including being “the first all-female team to win a race in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2023.” The Young Talents initiative aims to train the next generation of female racing stars under their supervision.

“I am really honored to have been shortlisted for the Iron Dames Young Talent screening process. It encourages me to do even better as a driver. I will work hard and prepare myself better than ever to come out on top in the selections and make India proud,” said Atiqa.

Atiqa was selected from a long list of applicants from all over the world. All shortlisted candidates will be examined through rigorous scouting events, which include factors such as driving skills, commitment, work ethic, and ability to portray the Iron Dames’ beliefs and attitude.

As the highest-ranked female karter under 10 years in the world, earning the title of ‘Fastest Girl in the World’, Atiqa feels honoured to represent India and Kashmir on the global stage.

“To my Kashmiri sisters, I hope my journey inspires you to believe in yourselves, and I urge parents to support their daughters in sports,” she says.Atiqa has set her eyes on becoming a Formula 1 driver. Driven by the ambition to become the first female driver in modern Formula 1, I am determined to reach the pinnacle of racing,” she says. “In my category, we reach speeds of 105 kmph on straights and negotiate turns at 95 kmph.”

Atiqa says that outside of karting, she enjoys training, exercising, and playing outdoors. Atiqa’s father, Asif Mir, beams with pride at his daughter’s remarkable achievements onthe racing circuit. Regarding his role in her burgeoning career, Asif underscores his responsibility to provide Atiqa with a robust support System. “My role is to provide her with the support system so she can perform at the highest level. This includes getting a team of professionals together who manage her, like trainers, coaches, teams, engine builders, and sports psychologists to ensure her optimum performance,” he says.

“Atiqa is a regular participant in our MECO FMSCI National Karting Championship — Rotax Max. We congratulate her on this achievement and wish her the very best for the selection rounds,” said V.S Shrikant, Deputy Secretary General of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India.