Indian Motorsports gets recognition from the government

It’s a big victory for all the motorsports enthusiasts in the country. The government of India has finally recognised motorsports as a sport by including the governing body Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) in the list of sports ministry backed National Sports Federations (NSF).

This big news comes at a time when the governing body has been trying to get back Formula 1 back to the Buddh International Circuit. This race was dropped from the F1 calendar owing to tax and political hurdles. The ministry has included motorsports in its latest revision of sports disciplines, albeit in the 'Others' category, meaning no financial assistance will be provided to the FMSCI.

"This can only be good for Indian motor sports. Interestingly, the government never de-recognised FMSCI, it just took the body off the recognised NSFs list in 2011 and it has re-recognised us. And the reason there was a lot of criticism surrounding government's apathy towards motor sport was because that was the time when Formula 1 came to India for the first time (in 2011). The Indian motor sports was in the limelight like never before," said Vicky Chandok, president, FMSCI.

This is a welcome move by the government. With this development, it will be very easy for the motorsports enthusiasts to participate in various races and events. Though the government will not provide funds for domestic motorsport activities, there is plenty to gain from the  ministry’s recognition.