Breaking barriers
This Malaysian motorsport sensation made history with her dominant victory in Taiwan, writes Elena Koshy
IT was a remarkable day for Team Malaysia as Malaysian motorsport athletes Ng Aik Sha (or Akisha as she’s popularly known) and Amaresh Malakar Choudhury clinched first place in the Mixed Doubles Category of both the Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship (AAGC) and the Taipei International Gymkhana Prize (TGIP) in Taipei, Taiwan.
Ng further showcased her dominance by securing the top spot in the Ladies Category of the AAGC and claiming third place in the same category for the TGIP. Her exceptional performance not only highlighted her unmatched skill and determination, but also firmly established her as one of the sport’s elite competitors.
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 shared, highlighting the strategic importance of the TIGP in refining Team Malaysia’s skills and coordination.
The jubilant Ng shared: “Participating in the TGIP and AAGC was truly exhilarating yet demanding. The adrenaline rush of the race was intensified by the unique experience of driving on the left 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 fulfillment of achieving success on the global stage.”
GROWING SPORT
Since its inception in 2019, the Taipei International Gymkhana Prize (TIGP) has transformed into a premier international auto gymkhana competition, attracting 16 ASN international teams.
This year’s edition promises to uphold the excitement, with esteemed teams from Germany, Slovakia and Indonesia gracing the event. The TIGP remains dedicated to providing a fair platform for the world’s top gymkhana drivers by ensuring they compete using identical vehicles, thus promoting fairness and inclusivity among all participants.
Safety is paramount, with the track design meticulously crafted to eliminate errors. Straight paths exceeding 50 metres are prohibited to maintain safety standards. Moreover, completing one circuit of the track is expected to take less than two minutes to ensure a smooth competition.
The essence of the competition lies in drivers manoeuvring their cars at high speeds to accurately navigate a designated route marked by arranged traffic cones. Knocking down cones or deviating from the route results in penalty seconds, impacting a driver’s standing in the competition.
The competition format comprises qualifying rounds followed by elimination rounds, culminating in four main categories: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
The doubles event, a unique Taiwanese concept, involves two drivers from the same team lining up in formation and starting simultaneously to tackle the route with precision.
Maintaining close proximity between the two cars enhances performance, but drivers must avoid collisions or overtaking. As the leading car yields the route to the trailing car upon reaching the final turn, both positions are then swapped for another run. The final result is determined by the combined scores of both runs, adding an element of strategy and teamwork to the competition.
The gymkhana competition presents a unique and formidable challenge for drivers, demanding not only exceptional speed and precision, but also sharp focus and split-second decision-making.
It’s this combination of technical prowess, mental fortitude and sheer determination that makes gymkhana one of the most exhilarating and challenging motorsport disciplines in the world.
Ng’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 maledominated sports. Motorsport, with its rigorous physical and mental challenges, perfectly aligned with my ambitions,” Ng 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 motorsport industry has called on Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to recognise gymkhana as an official motorsport, besides advocating for increased support and equitable opportunities for drivers in Malaysia.
The success and growth of gymkhana will indeed benefit both financially structurally with full government support. Investments in facilities for training and competitions, such as well-equipped tracks and safety measures, are essential for fostering the sport’s development. Additionally, funding for talent identification programmes, coaching initiatives and grassroots-level events can help nurture aspiring athletes and widen participation.
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 programmes 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 advancements within the sector.
Ng and Team Malaysia are set to proudly represent the nation at the forthcoming FIA Motorsport Games from Oct 23 to 27 in Spain, thus reinforcing the country’s stature on the global motorsport platform.