EXCLUSIVE: Prarthana Murugavel - First Indian female racer to win gold at Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship

Indian sports had a fabulous 2023 as top athletes made the nation proud on multiple fronts including the Asian Games and the ODI World Cup. However, away from the limelight of the top sports, India scripted history in the motor sport in 2023 as Prarthana Murugavel made the nation proud with her eye-catching gold medal-winning performance in Karting Slalom category in Malaysia. She spoke exclusively to WION and reflected on her journey as India added another feather to its impressive hat.

Prarthana, an open-wheel 4W racer, competed for the top prize with some of the best racers in her category and clinched gold at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia in October. She claimed the gold by clocking a best of 52.350 seconds in the fourthrunof the finals after standing first in both the quarterfinal and semifinal.

Question: How did your journey begin in motor sports and whom did you idolise during your initial years in the sports?

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Answer: I started following motor sports in 2014 .when Sebastian Vettel was at his peak. Over the years, observing and learning the intricacies of the sport, led to a huge impact on me and ignited my interest even more.

Question: What challenges did you face when you started your journey and what role did your family play?

Answer: My journey was a huge roller-coaster ride, being the only girl amongst 25-30 drivers demanded a lot from my side. There was intense competition when I started competing at different events. Often times, my capabilities as a driver was doubted by people at the track.The technique used to train the girls is the same as boys and this brings a big challenge.

My father has been a big support system for me and has always been with me. He is my biggest emotional support and understands all my needs during the race and off the race day. Despite being an expensive sport, my family has always stood by me.

Question: You secured gold in the Women's Karting Slalom category at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship this year, talk us through your journey there.

Answer: I was approached by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) in mid August to compete in the Women's Karting Slalom category at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship. In the second week of September, my participation in the event representing India was confirmed. However, this was a new experience as I had never competed in this category.

Since the slalom is designed in such a way that there is a time penalty for each cone dropped during the race. It was a different experience altogether with its own set of challenges, but luckily I prevailed to win the top prize.

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Question: How did you feel when you held the Indian flag during the medal presentation at the event?

Answer: It was a very special feeling to carry the Indian flag on a foreign territorywhile I held the gold. The feeling of holding a gold medal and listening to the Indian national anthem is something that cannot be described in words.

Question: What is your aim for 2024 and ahead considering that you are already punching above your weight?

Answer: I am still not a finished product as I think there is always room for improvement. I need to be physically fit; I have to adapt to environments and nutrition always plays a big role. I am currently aiming to complete a full season of the F1600 cars and hope to break a couple of records. I would also like to represent India in the FIA Motorsport Games in Spain in 2024.

With aspirations to conquer the international circuits in the F1 academy and Formula 4, Prarthana has embarked on an exceptional trajectory within the realm of the sports as she continues her remarkable rise in the motor sport. She now seeks support from the government and corporates to take the next big step in the field of motor sports.