Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday commended 10-year-old racing prodigy Atiqa Mir for her remarkable fourth-place finish in the Champions of the Future Academy (COFTA) karting series in Orechova, Slovakia. In a post on X, Abdullah expressed hope that Atiqa, the first Indian supported by Formula 1, could become the first Kashmiri to compete in Formula 1, praising her “natural talent and enthusiasm for racing”.

Atiqa, part of the F1 Academy’s Discover Your Drive (DYD) programme, was in contention for a podium finish for much of the COFTA race, a series closely monitored by F1 Academy officials. Her performance follows a victory in the DAMC karting series in Dubai earlier this month, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in motorsport. The young racer from Kashmir has been making waves in international karting, showcasing her potential on a global stage.

Abdullah’s endorsement highlights the growing recognition of Atiqa’s achievements in a region where sports like motorsport are rare. “I hope the day is not far when she will be the first Kashmiri to race at the pinnacle of motor racing – F1,” he wrote, extending his best wishes. Atiqa’s journey is seen as an inspiration for young athletes in Jammu and Kashmir, a region striving to foster diverse talent.

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Her success comes at a time when Indian motorsport is gaining traction, with increased support from global bodies like Formula 1. As Atiqa continues to compete in prestigious events, her performances could pave the way for greater representation of Indian drivers in international racing circuits.

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