Akbar nominated for Dronacharya award
The Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India (FMSCI) has decided to nominate Akbar Ebrahim for the prestigious Dronacharya award given for excellence in coaching. Off-road motorcycle racers C. S. Santosh and Aishwarya Pissay will be recommended for the Arjuna awards.
The federation will be sending the applications to the sports ministry on Monday.
“The applications have been prepared meticulously after approval from the FMSCI council. Akbar has an impressive CV,” said an FMSCI official.
If picked, Akbar would become the first from motorsport to bag the country’s highest coaching honour.
After last year’s Arjuna award fiasco over “factual errors” in Gaurav Gill’s application, the FMSCI seems to have taken extra care this year in drafting the applications.
The FMSCI was also considering Narain Karthikeyan’s name for Dhyan Chand award, but decided not to as the Coimbatore stalwart is still active on the international circuit.
A unique sportsperson, Akbar excelled in cricket, representing Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, before switching to motorsport. Akbar was one of the earliest Indians to race abroad as he competed in the Formula Asia Championship, Formula Ford Festival, British Formula 3 and British Formula 2.
After his racing days, Akbar has been involved in developing the sport by coaching youngsters and organising events. Armaan Ebrahim (his son), Ashwin Sundar, Vishnu Prasad, Akhil Rabindra and Yash Aradhya are some of the prominent names to emerge from Akbar’s stable.
Off-roader Santosh has been competing in the Dakar Rally, considered the most gruelling motorsport event. Aishwarya won the FIM Bajas World Cup (in women’s category).