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TL;DR:
- Kashfia Arfa, Bangladesh’s first international female racer, will compete in the FIA Motorsport Games 2024 in Spain after finishing sixth in the Asian Auto Gymkhana Championship.
- She will participate in the auto slalom category with partner Arham Rahman, representing Team Bangladesh led by captain Abhik Anwar.
- Kashfia’s passion for racing started young, inspired by Formula One, and she received her first racing car, a Mazda RX8, as a reward for good academic performance.
- Her future aspirations include participating in the International Rallycross Championship, with growing support from her countrymen.
Kashfia Arfa, Bangladesh’s first international female racer, is gearing up to participate in the prestigious FIA Motorsport Games 2024 in Spain. The young racer’s journey to this global stage comes after her impressive sixth-place finish in the recent Asian Auto Gymkhana Championship, marking her debut in international racing competitions.
The FIA Motorsport Games, scheduled from October 23-27, 2024, in Valencia, Spain, is considered one of the world’s largest racing events. Kashfia will compete in the auto slalom category alongside her partner, Arham Rahman, representing Team Bangladesh.
“I am representing my country. I have to. In fact, no achievement is mine alone. It’s for all of Bangladesh,” Kashfia stated, emphasizing her sense of national pride and responsibility.
Kashfia’s path to international racing began when Arham Rahman discovered her talents through social media. The Automobile Association of Bangladesh (AAB) then facilitated her entry into professional racing. The AAB is now sending a team to the FIA Motorsport Games, with popular Bangladeshi motorsport champion Abhik Anwar as the captain.
Before the FIA Motorsport Games, Kashfia will participate in another race in Malaysia on October 17, further honing her skills for the global competition.
Kashfia’s passion for cars and racing started at a young age. She received her first racing car, a Mazda RX8 sports car, as a reward for good academic performance. “I have been a fan of Formula One since childhood. And since then racing has been my dream,” Kashfia revealed, adding that she began driving in 2018.
The young racer credits her partner, Alif Hossain Khan, for inspiring her to turn her passion into a profession. She finds the thrill of speed and the constant focus required in racing particularly appealing.
Kashfia draws inspiration from Bangladeshi racer Abhik Anwar and international racer Bianca Bastamante from the Philippines. However, she cites her mother as her greatest inspiration in life, praising her sacrifice and courage in raising Kashfia and her sister single-handedly after the loss of their father.
As Kashfia prepares for the FIA Motorsport Games, she has garnered significant support on social media, with many praising her bravery. The young racer believes that courage, faith in God, hard work, and patience are all crucial for success in overcoming life’s obstacles.
Looking ahead, Kashfia aspires to participate in the International Rallycross Championship, with the support of her fellow countrymen behind her ambitious dreams.
The FIA Motorsport Games 2024 will feature 26 categories, spanning various disciplines from Circuit Racing to Electric Street, Karting, Esports, Off-road, and Rally. This expanded format offers increased opportunities for drivers from National Sporting Authorities worldwide to compete for medals under their country’s flag.
Source: Haal Fashion
