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Dubai’s Atiqa Mir to compete in World Series Karting

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Dubai-based Indian karting sensation, Atiqa Mir has been signed up to drive in the World Series Karting (WSK) Championships 2025. After her exceptional results in a test session conducted at La Conca circuit in south of Italy, the 29-time WSK Champions Team Babyrace has signed Atiqa, the 10-year-old Dubai based racer who studies in the GEMS Jumeirah Primary School and resides at the Jumeriah 1. She has been signed on for the full season.

Speaking on this historic occasion Team Manager of Babyrace, Leornado Lorandi said, “We are excited to sign Atiqa for the 2025 season. She caught our eye due to her impressive performances in 2024 including her win in Le Mans and we offered her a test with us. During the test she performed very well and we offered her a drive with our team. She has a lot of natural talent and together we will work on getting the best out of her.”

The ten-year-old Atiqa is the first Indian female to drive in the WSK and will also be the only female in the Mini class on the entire grid of over 60 karts. She will race in all three WSK Championships this year; the WSK Super Master Series, the WSK Euro Series and the WSK Final Cup as a debutant.

Speaking at this occasion Atiqa said, “I’m super thrilled to get this opportunity to drive with in WSK with Babyrace. This will be the highest level of karting I have ever driven in. I will have to learn a lot of circuits and driving in the winter will be a challenge but I’m up for it.” 

“I am grateful to Babyrace, my parents, supporters and sponsors for making this happen. I do my endurance training at the Dubai Canal, and train in the Wasl Gym near my house. My school is also very encouraging of my racing career,” she added. 

Considered the ‘Formula 1’ of Karting, this is the highest level of Karting in the world which attracts the best driving talent, the top kart manufacturers, engine manufacturers etc from the world over. The WSK series is focused on developing young drivers by providing a platform for them to improve their racecraft, technical knowledge, and understanding of motorsport. Formula 1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel have started their motorsport careers in WSK.

India’s first F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan commented, “Atiqa is proving herself as one of the brightest stars for the future of Indian Motorsport. Her pace and performances in the Middle East Championships have been exceptional, and she has carried that performance onto her racing in Europe, becoming the first girl ever to win a race in the RMC International Trophy at the Le Mans Circuit last year.”

“She is ranked as the #1 female Karter in the world in her age group which is an incredible achievement, and will compete in World Series Karting in 2025, which is the Formula 1 of the karting world. I would urge everyone in motorsport to give her the best opportunities and support possible so that she can fulfil her promise,” said Narain Kathikeyan India’s first formula 1 driver and Racing Icon.

“Atiqa has managed to move up to the highest level of karting through her hard work and dedication. It will be tough for her racing against this quality of field. She has to learn new tracks, new conditions and adapt herself to this new environment. It will be challenging and a learning year for her, “said Asif Nazir, her father and India’s first National Karting Champion and Formula Asia Vice Champion.

About Atiqa:

Atiqa is the top female karter in the world in her age group. She has defied odds and stereotypes to move up in the male-dominated sport and raise the flag high for India. She is the first and only female in the world to Win a Race at RMC International Trophy in Le Mans, France and the first and only Indian Female to finish 2nd runner up at Champions of the future Academy Program.

She is also the first and only female to be crowned Vice Champion in UAE IAME National Championship 2024. She has already secured record Pole positions for a female in the world in her category.

About WSK:

The WSK series is focused on developing young drivers by providing a platform for them to improve their racecraft, technical knowledge, and understanding of motorsport. WSK events are known for their highly professional and rigorous race format, which often includes qualifying rounds, heats, pre-finals, and finals. This structure ensures a fair and comprehensive assessment of driver skill and strategy.

Many Formula 1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, George Russel, Valteri Bottas, Daniel Riccardo, Mick Schumaker and Pierre Gasly have started their motorsport careers in karting, and a number of them have raced in the WSK (World Series Karting) events, a prominent karting series that attracts top talent from around the world.

As a trainee reporter and creative lead, I focus on curating engaging content and managing the social media presence for the company. I aim to connect audiences with relevant, impactful news through multiple digital platforms.

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Norway Chess launches Total Chess World Championship Tour with FIDE approval

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Norway Chess, the prestigious organiser of elite international chess tournaments, has officially launched a new World Championship series approved by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Dubbed the Total Chess World Championship Tour, the initiative aims to identify the player who excels across three formats: Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz.

“We are looking for ‘The Total Chess Player’, a versatile, tactically intelligent, and technically skilled athlete who seamlessly adapts to multiple time controls,” said Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and the new championship.

The Total Chess World Championship Tour will consist of four tournaments annually, held in different cities worldwide. A pilot tournament is planned for fall 2026, with the first full championship season kicking off in 2027. The overall winner at the final stop will be crowned the official FIDE World Combined Champion.

Tour Structure and Prize Pool

Each of the first three events will carry a minimum prize pool of $750,000, while the Finals, featuring the top four competitors, will award at least $450,000, in addition to performance bonuses for top scores at individual events and across the tour.

The Fast Classic format, featuring 45 minutes plus 30-second increments per move, will receive a classical chess rating, giving players the chance to demonstrate strategic skill in a faster-paced environment.

A New Era for Chess Fans

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed strong support for the initiative: “Chess is already a global phenomenon, but the Total Chess World Championship Tour will bring a new title, faster formats, and engaging broadcasts to captivate both existing fans and new audiences. This complements the traditional World Chess Championship and represents a long-term collaboration with Norway Chess.”

Norway Chess is now inviting host cities, investors, and partners to join discussions about the tour, which promises cutting-edge technology, innovative broadcasts, and an exciting format aimed at broadening the global appeal of chess.

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Game on: Abu Dhabi to build a 24,000-seat, fully air-conditioned stadium

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The UAE capital is getting ready to build a massive 24,000-seat stadium, and yes, it’ll be fully air-conditioned for year-round comfort.

Set to rise in Zayed City, the new sports complex will feature retractable roofing, sustainable cooling systems, and advanced digital screens for an immersive fan experience.

Planned as part of Abu Dhabi’s urban expansion strategy, the stadium will host international matches, concerts, and community events, all in climate-controlled comfort.

Officials say the project underscores Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global destination for major sporting events while keeping sustainability at its core. The design uses energy-efficient cooling and solar integration to minimise carbon emissions.

This comes as the UAE continues to invest heavily in sports infrastructure, from cricket and football arenas to Formula 1 circuits, reinforcing its global sporting appeal.

So next time the temperature soars past 45°C, don’t worry, Abu Dhabi’s got you covered, literally.

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Brampton Blitz clinch inaugural Canada Super 60 title with convincing win over Montreal Royal Tigers

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The Brampton Blitz were crowned the first-ever champions of the Canada Super 60 at BC Place, cruising past the Montreal Royal Tigers by eight wickets in a dominant final.

The Blitz showcased their supremacy with the ball, as Dillon Heyliger (4/9), David Wiese (3/6), and Chris Greaves (3/16) bundled out the Tigers for a mere 69 in eight overs. Shakib Al Hasan (29 off 12) and Dilpreet Bajwa (18 off 8) were the only batters to reach double figures for Montreal.

Chasing a modest total of 70, the Blitz wrapped up the victory in just 5.5 overs. James Vince top-scored with a blistering 34 off 16 deliveries, while Martin Guptill contributed a quick 23*. Alex Davies finished proceedings with a six to seal the championship.

Blitz Storm into Final with Nine-Wicket Semi-Final Win Over Mississauga Masters

Earlier in the day, the Brampton Blitz displayed their firepower in the semi-final, demolishing the Mississauga Masters by nine wickets. Chasing 148, Martin Guptill (79 off 25) and Will Smeed (63 off 21) shared a record-breaking 141-run stand in just 6.5 overs. Guptill smashed 11 sixes, while Smeed hit eight, taking the Blitz comfortably past the target in eight overs.

Leus de Plooy (43 off 20) and Sikandar Raza (29 off 13) had provided the Masters with a quick start, supported by Shubham Ranjane (25 off 9) and Rayyan Pathan (19 off 7). Piyush Chawla’s three-wicket haul (3/23) was the highlight for the Blitz bowlers.

Montreal Royal Tigers Overcome Vancouver Kings to Reach Final

In the first semi-final, the Montreal Royal Tigers defeated the Vancouver Kings by 24 runs. Nick Hobson’s 50 off 23 balls rescued the Tigers after an early collapse, lifting them to 100/6 in 10 overs. Baltej Singh (3/21) was the pick of the Kings’ bowlers, while Jaskaran Singh, Dwayne Pretorius, and Tajinder Singh shared three wickets.

During the chase, Shakib Al Hasan (2/5) and Ryan Higgins (2/16) restricted the Kings to 76/7, despite efforts from Max Chu (25 off 10), Obus Pienaar (20 off 11), and Jaskarandeep Singh (16 off 13).

End-of-Season Awards

  • Most Valuable Player: David Wiese – 149 runs at a strike rate of 213+, plus nine wickets.
  • Top Scorer: Leus de Plooy (Mississauga Masters) – 238 runs in six innings at a strike rate over 231.
  • Top Wicket-Taker: Dillon Heyliger (Brampton Blitz) – 13 wickets in seven matches at an average of 11.76.

The inaugural Canada Super 60 concluded with the Brampton Blitz leaving an indelible mark on the tournament, blending explosive batting and lethal bowling to lift the trophy.


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