MUMBAI: Indian motorsport continues to gather global momentum, and at the heart of that surge stands Mumbai Falcons Racing League (MFRL), leading the charge in developing world-class racing talent from India. The team delivered a statement performance at the 2025-2026 UAE ROTAX MAX Championship, securing two championship titles, five top-three finishes, and the overall Teams’ Championship, underlining its role as a premier platform nurturing India’s next generation of international racing talent.

Leading the charge, Tyla Harris clinched the DD2 Championship with 1123 points, while Maurits Knopjes dominated DD2 Masters with 941 points. Together, they established Mumbai Falcons’ authority at the top tier of competition in one of the Middle East’s most competitive karting championships.

For India, the most compelling story lies in the rise of its young drivers. Mitansh Jain emerged as Junior Max Vice-Champion, delivering a season defined by consistency, composure, and front-running pace. His 960-point campaign firmly positioned him as one of the most promising Indian racers on the global karting stage.

Close behind, Arhaan Koreishi secured third overall in Junior Max, showcasing remarkable progression through the season. His late-season surge not only earned him a podium finish but also reinforced the depth of Indian talent within the Mumbai Falcons program. Adding to the team’s multi-category success, Nathan Kappen finished third overall in Senior Max, completing a championship campaign that saw Mumbai Falcons excel across divisions.

Further reinforcing this success, the team also celebrated title victories in the IAME UAE Championship, where Mitansh Jain was crowned IAME UAE Champion under the Juniors category, while Rayan Koreishi secured the Vice Championship under the IAME UAE Seniors category. These achievements also earned the team a coveted ticket to the IAME World Finals.

Anjum Shaikh, Team Principal of MFRL’s Karting Programme, shared, “This season reflects the level of consistency and performance we expect as a team competing at the highest level. At the same time, seeing Indian drivers step up and secure podium finishes in such a competitive field is a clear signal that India is ready to produce the next generation of global racing stars. Indian motorsport is entering a defining phase, and we remain committed to building stronger, more structured pathways that can consistently deliver excellence.”

MFRL’s overall performance at the championship reflects a structured, high-performance ecosystem built in India for a world-stage competition. Across the season, Mumbai Falcons demonstrated not just winning ability but depth, resilience, and consistency—qualities essential for developing future champions.  The significance of these achievements extends beyond the standings. The UAE Rotax Max Championship serves as a gateway to the Rotax MAX Championship Grand Finals, placing Mumbai Falcons drivers within the global talent pipeline. Competing—and succeeding—at this level signals India’s growing influence in international karting.

Mumbai Falcons has steadily positioned itself as a launchpad for young drivers, combining international exposure, technical excellence, and race-winning capability. With Indian drivers like Jain and Koreishi delivering standout performances against a highly competitive international grid, the message is clear: India is no longer an emerging presence in global karting; it is becoming a force.

As the 2025–2026 season concludes, Mumbai Falcons continues in its endeavour to actively shape India’s racing future and build a pathway for the country’s brightest young talents to become tomorrow’s global stars.

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Maharashtra fielded five teams in the National Bandy Championship across the Under-10, Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 boys and girls categories. Over 40 teams from 8–9 states, including Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, and Maharashtra, competed in Dehradun. The Maharashtra team, mainly comprising players from Pandharpur, Raigad, Kolhapur, Mumbai, and Pune, performed strongly, with four teams winning medals. The Under-10 boys won bronze by beating Tamil Nadu 1–0, the Under-12 girls won gold against Uttar Pradesh 2–1, the Under-17 girls took silver, and the Under-19 boys won bronze, leading Maharashtra to finish 4th rank in the championship overall.

The Pune players from Maharashtra received training support as Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao Junior College Principal, Shobha Channal, made the college facilities available for practice, which immensely benefited the athletes. “This achievement has further elevated the state’s stature in national bandy sports”, said Ajay Jagtap, President of the Pune District Bandy Association and Secretary of the Pune District Ice Hockey Association.

Bandy is a sport similar to ice hockey and is widely recognized as a popular Russian sport. It is played across Europe, Scandinavian countries, the Baltic region, and Mongolia. Over the past few years, bandy has been gaining popularity in India, and this was the 7th National Championship. Maharashtra has been participating for the last two years, and notably, a significant number of players in the Maharashtra squad came from Pune.

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Five teams from Maharashtra, including boys and girls under 10, 14, 17, and 19 years, will participate in the championship. Ajay Jagatap, President of Pune District Bandy Association and Secretary of Pune District Ice Hockey Association, expressed hope that Maharashtra will win medals this year as well.

Bandy is a game similar to ice hockey, popular in Russia, and played all over Europe, in Scandinavian countries, Baltic countries, and Mongolia. The game has been gaining popularity in India, and this is the 7th national championship.

Maharashtra has been participating in the championship for the past two years, with a significant number of players from Pune. Many ice skating enthusiasts are taking up the sport, attracted by national and international success, fewer competitions, and support for the game, said Ajay Jagatap.

The state-level competition was held in Pandharpur last month, and players who qualified at the district level worked hard to secure a spot in the national team.

Players performing well in the national championship will get a chance to participate in the international competition in Russia next month.

The Maharashtra team includes players from Pandharpur, Raigad, Kolhapur, Mumbai, and Pune. Over 40 teams from 8-9 states have arrived in Dehradun for the championship, including teams from Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Delhi.

The principal of Dr. Kalamadi Shyamrao Junior College, Shobha Channal, provided the college facilities for the Maharashtra team’s practice, which was appreciated by the players.

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The championship has four phases, where the first round will start on 21st September 2025. The finals will take place on 12 October 2025. 

This one-of-a-kind championship is a high-intensity, layman format karting tournament where 24 teams will participate. The tournament will take place across 4 competitive rounds, with the best-performing teams progressing to the final round. With professional race management, a pit-lane handover system, and performance-based progression to the finals, the event promises to deliver both experience and fierce competition.

Championship Format & Race Structure

This isn’t just a race; it’s an all-around team-building experience. Each team will consist of 4 members, competing in a 32-minute continuous high-speed race. Every member will get an 8-minute race to complete the laps. The top 2 teams qualify for the finals. In case of a tie, a tiebreaker race will be held. The winning and Runner-Up teams will be rewarded with a cash prize, a trophy, a certificate, and Goodies from partnered brands.

Whether you’re competing or cheering, the atmosphere will be electric, filled with great food, drinks, music, and unmatched trackside energy.

Registrations Now Open

Companies and organisations are invited to register their teams now and join the race to the podium.

With speed, strategy, and synergy at its core, Formula Karting Corporate Championship is more than just a competition or a casual weekend plan; it’s the beginning of a new tradition for Pune’s corporate community. From high-performance racing to high-value networking, this event blends thrill and teamwork like never before. 

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INDONESIA: The IDEMITSU Honda Racing India team riders battled through a challenging and action-packed Round 4 of the 2025 FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Indonesia’s iconic Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, concluding a weekend defined by fierce competition and intense racing.

The Indian duo, Kavin Quintal and Johann Reeves, displayed consistent efforts and determination while competing in the highly competitive Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class.

Kavin Quintal started Race 1 from the 17^th position on the grid for the 10-lap contest but couldn’t finish the race. Navigating intense competition with persistence, he finished the Race 2 at 19^th place with a total time of 18:18.251, and his best lap time was 1:47.847.

Meanwhile, Johann Reeves started Race 1 from 25^th on the grid and delivered a strong run, registering consistent lap times on the challenging Mandalika circuit. He crossed the chequered flag in 16^th place with a total time of 18:27.73,3 and his best lap time was 1:48.302. In Race 2, Reeves finished in 22^nd with a total time of 18:21.752.

Their cumulative team total stands at 6 points for this season in the Asia Production 250cc (AP250) class.

Sharing his thoughts, Kavin Quintal said, “The Pertamina Mandalika Circuit tested me all through the weekend. Yesterday was a setback, but today I managed to complete the race in 19^th place. It wasn’t easy, but every lap added to my experience, and I am determined to come back stronger in the next rounds.

Johann Reeves added, “The Pertamina Mandalika Circuit was a real test from start to finish – it pushed me on every front. I managed to gain crucial experience for myself and the team. There is still plenty to work upon, and I am focused on coming back sharper in the subsequent rounds.”

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Crews will tackle a dozen special stages and 196.30 competitive kilometres in the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley areas. The event will also count towards the new Junior and Master Championships for Drivers.

Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah and Candido Carrera head the field after winning the opening three rounds of the season in Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. They will be aiming to defend a 31-point lead over Rakan Al-Rashed and Hugo Magalhães in their respective MERC Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ Championships. The record 16-time winner of the event lays trust in his Autotek Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.

A total of eight Rally2 machines grace the entry list: defending regional champion Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, the 2023 MERC champion Abdullah Al-Rawahi, Qatari Nasser Khalifa Al-Atya, Bassal Abu Hamdan, and the Jordanian duo of Sheikh Bader Al-Fayez and Ihab Al-Shorafa complete the list. Both local drivers have entered Škoda Fabias.

Oman’s Zakariya Al-Aamri and Abdullah Al-Zubair are currently locked in their battle for supremacy in the FIA MERC2 category in a pair of Subarus, and they head a list of seven crews aiming for showroom class honours.

Local knowledge may favour the defending regional champion Shaker Jweihan, while Kuwait’s Jassim Al-Muqahwi and Salem Al-Dhafeeri, Lebanon’s Shadi Al-Fakih, and Palestine’s Hamada Uda round off the MERC2 field. All five challengers to the front-running Omani duo wheel out Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Xs.

Qatari Rashid Al-Mohannadi has a commanding lead in the two-wheel drive FIA MERC4 category after three rounds. He faces competition from young Qatar Academy drivers, Mohammed Al-Marri and Saad Al-Harqan, and Indian driver Payyakkal Panikkaveettil (Ford Fiesta). All three Qataris drive French-built Peugeot 208s.

The local duo of Shadi Shaban and Mohammed Al-Shorafa and Lebanon’s Joanna Hasoun round off the entry in a trio of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IXs. All but two of the 22 entrants are registered for the MERC.

This year’s event is supported by Zain Jordan, Guarantee Travel Group, Hala and Bliss FM, Markazia, and Toyota Gazoo Racing Jordan.

2025 Jordan Rally – entry list:

1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Candido Carrera (ESP)                                     Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2

2. Rakan Al-Rashed (KSA)/Hugo Magalhães (POR)                                                Toyota GR Yaris Rally 2

3. Abdullah Al-Rawahi (OMA)/Ata Al-Hmoud (JOR)                                              Škoda Fabia R5 Rally 2

4. Nasser Khalifa Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Ziad Chehab (LBN)                                          Ford Fiesta Mk II Rally 2

5. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (QAT)/Lorcan Moore (IRL)                                                 Citroën C3 Rally 2

6. Sheikh Bader Al-Fayez (JOR)/Vili Oslaj (SLO)                                                     Škoda Fabia Rally 2

7. Ihab Al-Shurafa (JOR)/Ahmad Jankhout (JOR)                                                   Škoda Fabia Evo Rally 2

8. Bassel Abu Hamdan (KSA)/Firas Elias (LBN)                                                      Škoda Fabia R5 Rally 2

9. Abdullah Al-Zubair (OMA)/Taha Al-Zadjali (OMA)                                            Subaru Impreza N14

10. Shaker Jweihan (JOR)/Aisvydas Paliukenas (LTU)                                            Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

11. Jassim Al-Muqahwi (KUW)/Suleiman Al-Helal (KUW)                                     Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

12. Shadi El Fakih (LBN)/Joseph Kmeid (LBN)                                                        Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

13. Zakariya Al-Aamri (OMA)/Mohammed Al-Mazroui (OMA)                             Subaru Impreza N14

14. Salem Al-Dhafeeri (KUW)/Waleed Al-Dhafeeri (KUW)                                   Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X*       

15. Hamada Uda (PAL)/Mustafa Juma (JOR)                                                         Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X         

16. Rashid Al-Muhannadi (QAT)/Gary McElhinney (IRL)                                       Peugeot 208 Rally 4

17. Payyaakkal ‘Saneem’ Panikkaveettil (IND)/Musa Sherif (IND)                        Ford Fiesta Rally 4

18. Mohammed Al-Marri (QAT)/Giovanni Bernacchini (ITA)                                Peugeot 208 Rally 4

19. Saad Al-Harqan (QAT)/Pierre Delorme (FRA)                                                  Peugeot 208 Rally 4

20. Shadi Shaban (JOR)/Samer Issa (JOR)                                                              Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT)

21. Mohammed Al-Shorafa (JOR)/Yazan Juma (JOR)                                            Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT)*

21. Joanna Hassoun (LBN)/Sami Fleifel (JOR)                                                       Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT)

*denotes not registered for the MERC

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Expect amplified action cards, fast-paced stacking rules, and the legendary “No Mercy” twist that levels up every round. Whether you are a casual player or a hardcore UNO strategist, this is your chance to compete, connect, and claim glory with exciting prizes waiting at the finish line.

Entry is free, and participation is open to all age groups. Just walk in, sign u,p and bring your A-game.

Event Details:

• Dates: 22nd to 26th May 2025
• Venue: Atrium 13, Phoenix Marketcity Pune
• Entry: Free for all – walk-in registration
• Who Can Join: Open to all age groups

Bring your best game face. In this arena, it’s all about bold plays and big wins.

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Remarkably, this is only Team Sigma’s second year participating, a feat rarely accomplished by veteran teams globally. The team comprises 27 dedicated students, including 25 from 13 different schools in Mumbai, and two students working remotely from Indore and Delhi.

This year’s robotics challenge, “Reefscape,” tasked students with designing robots to place coral pieces at heights reaching 7 feet. Team Sigma’s robot, affectionately named “Spongebot,” excelled by ranking first in coral placement at the highest level and third in autonomous coding consistency. The robot features an innovative four-wheel swerve drive system, achieving speeds of 7 meters/second, and boasts an elevator mechanism that reaches 8 feet in just 0.5 seconds.

Beyond competition, Team Sigma has made a significant social impact, introducing robotics and coding to over 3,000 underserved students across Mumbai in two years. The team successfully raised ₹20 lakh from Indian corporates, setting up robotics labs in 10 underserved schools. Their outreach gained recognition from Maharashtra’s Skill Development Ministry, leading them to conduct a webinar on coding for 50,000 ITI students state-wide. Impressed by their initiative, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister personally congratulated the team.

Their impactful efforts have attracted sponsorship from Adipro, a Hong Kong-based chemical MNC. Team Sigma is mentored by RFL Academy and their talented coaches – Mr. Virendra, Mr. Atul, and Mr. Sunil led by RFL’s cofounder and CEO, Ashwin Shah, who recently received the esteemed Woodie Flowers Finalist Award in the US for outstanding mentorship in robotics education.

“We’re immensely proud of this achievement. It shows Indian students can lead globally in robotics,” said Ashwin Shah. Team vice-captain Arav Arzare added, “Winning this award motivates us further to spread robotics education to every corner of India.”

Team Sigma now prepares to compete against top international teams at the FIRST World Championship in Houston, representing India on a global stage and inspiring the next generation of young innovators.

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Race day at the Malaysian Grand Prix was a hot affair, hardly a cloud in the sky to block the intense sun which made for an even more demanding 20-lap contest. Action would be halted almost immediately as a multiple rider crash in the opening corners brought out the red flag. Fortunately, all involved avoided serious injury.

Running through the quick restart procedure, Luca Marini launched his Repsol Honda Team RC213V off the line for a second time – again gaining positions from the rivals around him. A consistent race followed for the #10 who managed his tyres well and was able to pass the likes of Nakagami and Raul Fernandez as he worked his way up the field into the points. The final laps of the race saw Marini defending against Marc Marquez and Franco Morbidelli, crossing the line in 15th and adding another point to his 2024 tally. But, Marini is hungry for more to be able to properly show his and his team’s efforts from throughout the year.

Joan Mir had made a lightning-fast start to the initial running of the Malaysian GP before the red flag and tried his hardest to emulate it on the second attempt. Able to match the pace of his teammate early on, Mir would ultimately fall victim to a crash at Turn 9. Unharmed, it leaves a disappointed taste in the mouth of the #36 who will once again pick himself up and prepare for the next race.

Now the MotoGP paddock will have a week to rest and recover after the most intense period of the season. One final race awaits for the Repsol Honda Team in what has been a complicated 2024 World Championship season before testing begins almost immediately after.

Luca Marini (15^th) “The race was a little bit hot. From the physical side, I am happy with my performance. The grip was quite low with the heat so we struggled for some traction during the race. With the quick start procedure, everything also got hotter which complicated some things for the second start. During the race, our tyre management was quite good and I was able to make up ground later, especially under braking. We started far back so it’s difficult to catch up. I am not happy with P15, the position doesn’t show all the work that we have done nor the race that I did today. Points are good, but we want more because everyone is working very hard inside Honda.”

Joan Mir (DNF) “I made a really good start with the first go of the race and I was running with the top ten! Unfortunately, I made some contact with Miller, so I was quite worried, it was a relief to see the images of him in pit lane and then I went to his box after and he was typical Jack. This is the most important. During the race, I wasn’t able to ride in a good way and I fell, unharmed, but our race was over. It hasn’t happened again, so we need to check and be sure. Like the last few races, I was able to overtake many of the riders but starting in the back complicates things. One more chance to do some more.”

Malaysian Grand Prix Race Results

Rider standings

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Competition Days
Friday, October 4 –  CWT Men – RESULTS
Saturday, October 5 – POSTPONED BY BAD WHEATER
Sunday, October 6- CWT Women – RESULTS
Monday, October 7 – FIM Men – RESULTS
Tuesday, October 8 –  FIM Women – RESULTS
Wednesday, October 9 – CNF Men – RESULTS
Thursday, October 10 – CNF Women – RESULTS
Friday, October 11 – CWT Bifins Men – RESULTS
Saturday, October 12 – CWT Bifins Women – RESULTS

Text Credits: CMAS
Photo Credits: CMAS
Video Credits: CMAS

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