Malaysian motorsport athlete Ng Aik Sha, known as Akisha, has achieved remarkable success at the Taipei International Gymkhana Prize (TIGP), cementing her status as a rising star in the global motorsport arena.
Akisha made history as the first woman to conquer the Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship (AAGC), showcasing her unparalleled skill and determination. Additionally, she earned the title of the third woman in the Taiwan International Grand Prize, further solidifying her place among the elite in the sport.
In an exceptional demonstration of teamwork, Akisha, alongside Amaresh Malakar Choudhury, clinched first place in both the Mixed Doubles Category of the AAGC and the TIGP, highlighting their undeniable synergy on the track.
Furthermore, Team Malaysia emerged as the overall champion in the AAGC, showcasing the nation's prowess in motorsport.
Jagjeet Singh who is the team manager who led the team to victory, commented on the significance of the TIGP in preparation for future competitions.
"We leverage this event as valuable preparation for the upcoming FIA World Motorsport Games in October 2024," he stated, underlining the strategic importance of the TIGP in honing Team Malaysia's skills and coordination.
"Competing in the Taipei International Gymkhana Prize and Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship was both exhilarating and challenging.
"The thrill of the race was heightened by the unique experience of driving on the left-hand side, in accordance with Taipei's traffic rules.
"Adapting to this unfamiliar aspect added an extra layer of complexity to an already intense competition. However, overcoming these challenges only magnified the satisfaction of achieving success on the global stage,” said Akisha.
Originating in 2019, the TIGP has grown into a premier international auto gymkhana competition, attracting 16 ASN international teams.
This year's edition promises to maintain the excitement, featuring renowned teams such as Germany, Slovakia, and Indonesia.
The TIGP aims to provide a platform for the world's best gymkhana drivers to compete using identical vehicles, ensuring fairness and inclusivity for all participants.
Akisha and Team Malaysia made history at the Taipei International Gymkhana Prize and were overall champions in the Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship (AAGC).
Akisha's triumph not only reflects her exceptional talent and dedication but also her pioneering role as a female motorsport athlete in Malaysia. Her journey from newcomer to competitive racer has shattered gender stereotypes and inspired young women across the nation.
"I have always been intrigued by male-dominated sports. Motorsport, with its physical and mental demands, was the perfect fit for my aspirations," Akisha shared.
Her presence in motorsport serves as a beacon of empowerment, demonstrating that women have the strength to achieve greatness in the sport.
The auto gymkhana motorsport industry urges Hannah Yeoh, the Minister of Youth and Sports, to include gymkhana motorsport and advocate for increased support and equal opportunities for motorsport drivers in Malaysia.
This advocacy extends beyond mere recognition, emphasising the imperative for investment in infrastructure, such as proper racing circuits, training facilities, and safety measures, to ensure participant safety.
Furthermore, gymkhana stands out as an affordable, accessible, versatile, challenging, and safe sport, making it an ideal avenue for nurturing talent and fostering a vibrant motorsport community in Malaysia.
Additionally, there's a pressing need for educational initiatives and partnerships with academic institutions to promote motorsport as a viable career path and facilitate skill development within the industry.
By fostering this supportive environment and investing in requisite resources, Malaysia can position itself as a hub for motorsport excellence, attracting enthusiasts and stimulating economic growth in the sector.
Akisha and Team Malaysia are poised to represent the nation at the upcoming FIA Motorsport Games from 23 to 27 October 2024 in Spain, further solidifying Malaysia's position on the global motorsport stage. - KitaReporters/Media Release
