Bengaluru: Arshi Gupta, India's youngest go-karting champion and the youngest-ever driver selected for the F1 Academy Driver Development Programme, was conferred the prestigious FIA President's Medal in the National Karting Ranking (Women's Category) at the Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony 2025 organised by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) in Bengaluru on Thursday.
The nine-year-old racer was also felicitated for winning the 2025 National Karting Championship in the Micro Max category, a feat that made her the youngest-ever National Karting Champion in India.
Expressing her happiness on receiving the honour, Arshi said, "I am very happy to receive the FIA President's Medal. Racing is something I love, and every race teaches me something new. This award motivates me to keep improving and do even better in the future."
The annual awards ceremony brought together some of India's leading motorsport personalities, champions and officials to celebrate excellence across various racing disciplines. Arshi's recognition comes after a remarkable season that has established her among the most promising young talents in Indian motorsport.
At just nine years of age, Arshi has already created multiple records. In 2025, she won the Indian National Karting Championship in the Micro Max category, becoming the youngest-ever National Karting Champion in the country. She achieved this milestone in only her second year of competitive karting.
Another major milestone in her journey has been her selection for the F1 Academy Driver Development Programme, making her the youngest driver globally to be chosen for the programme. Designed to identify and nurture exceptional young racing talent, the programme is regarded as an important pathway to higher levels of international motorsport.
“Arshi has also made a mark internationally. She became the youngest Indian racer to secure a podium finish at an international karting event after finishing on the podium in the UAE. More recently, she finished First Runner-Up in Round 1 of the Whilton Mill Club Championship in the United Kingdom and secured Second Runner-Up honours at the TVKC Winter Warmer Cup,” informed Dr Deepti Gupta, Arshi’s mother.
In another landmark achievement, Arshi is currently the only female national-level karting champion in Asia. Karting is a mixed-gender sport where boys and girls compete together on the same track, making her achievement particularly significant for women's participation in motorsport. She is also listed in the India Book of Records as the youngest female to receive the National Mini Karting Driver's Licence issued by FMSCI.
Away from the racetrack, Arshi has continued to excel academically. She was awarded her school's Principal's Gold Medal for outstanding performance in academics and co-curricular activities, reflecting the discipline and dedication she brings to every aspect of her life.
Reacting to the honour, her father Anchit Gupta said, "Seeing Arshi receive such recognition at this age is a proud moment for our family. She puts in tremendous effort every day, whether it is training, travelling for races or managing her studies. We are grateful to everyone who has supported her journey."
With the FIA President's Medal adding to a growing list of national and international achievements, Arshi continues to inspire young racers across the country as she pursues her dream of representing India at the highest levels of global motorsport.
- BI Burea
