Atiqa Mir, a 10-year-old racing prodigy from India, recently created history by becoming the first female in UAE karting to win a race in the Minimax category at the DAMC Championship opener held at the Dubai Kartdrome, UAE. Competing against 13 rivals, including seasoned European race winners, Atiqa clinched a commanding victory from pole position as the only female on the grid.
She maintained flawless control within track limits to cross the chequered flag first, setting a new benchmark for young female racers in the region. Atiqa expressed her joy and gratitude to her sponsors, AKCEL Academy, crediting them for their unwavering support in her journey. This victory marks an auspicious start to her Middle Eastern karting campaign and continues to elevate her profile in the international motorsport arena.
Racing Pedigree and Career Milestones
Born in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, and raised in Dubai, Atiqa hails from a family with deep motorsport roots. Her father, Asif Nazir Mir, is a former national karting champion who has been instrumental in nurturing her talent. Atiqa began competitive karting at the age of six in the UAE and swiftly made a mark with multiple notable achievements.
She was the vice-champion in the 2024 UAE IAME National Championship and has set records internationally by becoming the first female racer to win at the Rotax Challenge International Trophy in Le Mans, France. Earlier in 2025, Atiqa was signed by Formula 1’s F1 Academy “Discover Your Drive” program, making her the first Indian and Asian female to join this elite development initiative aimed at grooming the next generation of female racing talent.
International Ambitions and Inspirations
Fresh off her success in Europe and the UAE, Atiqa is set to participate in the Champions of the Future Academy Round 4 in Slovakia, continuing her rigorous international racing schedule. Her racing style and competitive spirit have earned her recognition and respect within the highly competitive karting circles dominated largely by older male drivers.
She balances her racing career with academics and mental conditioning, employing a disciplined regimen of physical training, visualisation, and breathing exercises. Atiqa idolises Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, drawing inspiration from his exemplary performances and approach to racing.
Her ultimate dream is to break all barriers of gender and nationality to compete at the highest level, Formula 1, inspiring a new generation of racers, especially young girls from India and beyond.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Atiqa Mir’s historic victory is more than a sporting achievement; it is a beacon of hope and progress in the ongoing quest for gender equality and inclusive representation in sports traditionally dominated by men. Her journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and the breaking down of barriers through passion and skill.
The Logical Indian honours such milestones that promote empathy, equal opportunity, and peaceful coexistence through the universal language of sports. Encouraging and supporting young talents like Atiqa not only nurtures individual dreams but also strengthens societal harmony and inspires communities to embrace diversity and inclusion.
