MALAYSIAN motorsport athlete Ng Aik Sha, also known as Akisha, recently secured first place in the Taipei International Gymkhana Prize (TGIP), firmly establishing herself as a rising star in the global motorsport scene.
Ng clinched the championship title in the Mixed Doubles Category for both the TGIP and Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship (AAGC), while also dominating the Ladies Category in the AAGC, claiming the top spot. Furthermore, she demonstrated her prowess by securing third place in the Ladies Category for the TGIP. Ng's outstanding performance not only showcased her unparalleled skill and determination but also solidified her position among the sport's elite.
In a remarkable display of teamwork, Akisha partnered with Amaresh Malakar Choudhury to secure first place in both the Mixed Doubles Category of the AAGC and the TIGP, underscoring their undeniable synergy on the track. Moreover, Team Malaysia emerged as the overall champion in the AAGC, further highlighting the nation's prowess in motorsport.
Jagjeet Singh, the team manager credited with leading the team to victory, emphasised the significance of the TIGP as crucial preparation for future competitions. "We view this event as invaluable preparation for the upcoming FIA World Motorsport Games in October 2024," he noted, highlighting the strategic importance of the TIGP in refining Team Malaysia's skills and coordination.
The jubilant Akisha shared: "Participating in the Taipei International Gymkhana Prize and Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship was truly exhilarating yet demanding. The adrenaline rush of the race was intensified by the unique experience of driving on the left-hand side, in accordance with Taipei's traffic rules. Adjusting to this unfamiliar aspect added an extra layer of complexity into an already intense competition. Nevertheless, overcoming these hurdles only served to amplify the fulfilment of achieving success on the global stage."
GROWING SPORT
Since its inception in 2019, the TIGP has evolved into a leading international auto gymkhana competition, drawing the participation of 16 ASN international teams. This year's edition is poised to uphold the thrill, with esteemed teams like Germany, Slovakia, and Indonesia in attendance. The TIGP is committed to offering a level playing field for the globe's top gymkhana drivers by having them compete using identical vehicles, thus ensuring fairness and inclusivity for all participants.
Akisha's victory not only underscores her remarkable talent and unwavering dedication but also her groundbreaking role as a female motorsport athlete in Malaysia. Her trajectory from novice to competitive racer has defied gender stereotypes and ignited inspiration among young women nationwide.
"I've always been drawn to male-dominated sports. Motorsport, with its rigorous physical and mental challenges, perfectly aligned with my ambitions," Akisha revealed. Her presence in motorsport stands as a symbol of empowerment, showcasing that women possess the resilience and capability to attain excellence in the sport.
CALL FOR SUPPORT
The auto gymkhana motorsport industry calls upon YB Puan Hannah Yeoh, the Minister of Youth and Sports, to include gymkhana motorsport and advocate for increased support and equitable opportunities for motorsport drivers in Malaysia.
This advocacy should extend beyond mere acknowledgment, stressing the vital need for investment in infrastructure, including adequate racing circuits, training facilities, and safety measures, to prioritize participant well-being.
Moreover, gymkhana distinguishes itself as an affordable, accessible, adaptable, demanding, and safe sport, rendering it an optimal platform for cultivating talent and cultivating a dynamic motorsport community in Malaysia.
Furthermore, there's an urgent call for educational programs and collaborations with academic institutions to endorse motorsport as a viable career avenue and facilitate skill enhancement within the industry. By nurturing such a supportive ecosystem and allocating resources accordingly, Malaysia can establish itself as a nucleus for motorsport prowess, drawing enthusiasts and fostering economic advancement within the sector.
Akisha and Team Malaysia are set to proudly represent the nation at the forthcoming FIA Motorsport Games scheduled from October 23 to 27 in Spain, thus reinforcing Malaysia's stature on the global motorsport platform.