Union Minister for Youth Affairs & SportsnMansukh Mandaviya. File
| Photo Credit: ANI
Taking one other step in his push to revive Formula One in the nation, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a gathering with the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) to debate a framework that might create a “strong pipeline” of drivers and technicians.
The assembly was held in the nationwide capital lately and was additionally attended by sports activities secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, joint secretary (sports activities) Kunal and FMSCI council member Vicky Chandhok amongst others.
Mr. Mandaviya had visited the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, which had hosted F1 races from 2011 to 2013 earlier than taxation points brought on an abrupt finish to the occasion.
“We discussed and look at the possibility of bringing Formula One and MotoGP to India. The ministry is very keen and very clear that since India is the most advancing country in technology, the best sport should come here,” Mr. Chandhok, who was on the helm of FMSCI when the races have been final held, instructed PTI.
“They wanted to understand the challenges and they wanted to speak to FMSCI and see our organising skills. The minister and the entire ministry are very happy to support us,” he added.
That Mr. Mandaviya is eager to revive the race was obvious when he held discussions with officials from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority relating to the way forward for motorsports infrastructure in the nation throughout his go to to the circuit a couple of weeks in the past.
“The discussions (with FMSCI delegation) focused on creating structured pathways for athletes, engineers, and technical professionals associated with the sport,” stated a Sports Ministry supply.
“Dr Mandaviya called for developing a comprehensive framework that positions motorsports at the intersection of sport and India’s rapidly growing automotive and engineering sectors,” he added.
Meeting with F1 bosses in pipeline?
It can be reliably learnt that the FMSCI has provided to facilitate a gathering between Mr. Mandaviya and the Formula One administration, which is headed by former Ferrari crew boss Stefano Domenicali.
India is making an attempt to place itself as a worldwide sporting hub and has already received the 2030 Commonwealth Games internet hosting rights in Ahmedabad, town that can be in the race to turn out to be an Olympic host in 2036.
“Expanding the range of sporting disciplines and strengthening high-performance ecosystems are key steps,” stated the ministry supply.
During the assembly with the FMSCI delegation, the minister additionally mentioned the prospect of constructing skilled racing platforms for higher publicity and alternatives to Indian drivers.
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“With growing institutional attention and the presence of world-class racing infrastructure, motorsports can gradually regain prominence within India’s sporting landscape,” stated the supply, whereas speaking in regards to the minister’s imaginative and prescient.
The iconic Narain Karthikeyan was India’s first Formula One driver and raced for Jordan (2005) and HRT (2011–2012) on the peak of his profession. He had completed fourth in the depleted US Grand Prix throughout his debut season.
Karun Chandhok grew to become the nation’s second driver on the high-profile circuit, making his debut in 2010 for HRT (2010) earlier than racing for Lotus in 2011.
“The revival effort is also being aligned with national sporting priorities. Integrating motorsports within this broader framework could help nurture talent at an early stage and build a strong pipeline of drivers, technicians, and motorsport professionals.”
Published – March 12, 2026 04:11 am IST
