(January 21, 2024) Racer Prarthana Murugavel describes herself as “an ordinary person with an extraordinary dream.” Her achievements are anything but ordinary, however. All of 23, she is the first Indian female racer to win gold at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship. An open-wheel 4W racer, Prarthana made the nation proud with her winning performance in the Karting Slalom category at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, back in October 2023. She clocked in a best of 52.350 seconds in the fourth round of the finals, after coming in first in the semi and quarter finals.
Her journey in motorsports began in 2014, when she watched the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix. “I was in grade 9 and I watched the last ten laps of the race,” Prarthana Murugavel says, in an interview with Global Indian. The excitement, the speed and the precision captivated her and she began following the races closely over the years, finding an idol in Sebastian Vettel. Things took another turn in February 2021, when she attended her first training program with Momentum Motorsports. “I knew there was no looking back after this,” she recalls.
Racer Prarthana Murugavel
Striking Gold
Prarthana took to the sport instantly. In 2021, she participated in a talent hunt by Ahura Racing, an all-women’s racing team, and came in second. That year, she also won the Best Rookie Trophy at the MRF MMSC FMSCI National Car Racing Championship (Round 2), came in fourth at the Driver Development Program conducted by Momentum Motorsports, and was recognized as the Most Promising Female Racer at the JK Tyre FMSCI National Car Racing Championship.
In 2023, Prarthana became the only female driver to compete in the Meco FMSCI National Karting Championship, 2023. She completed all five rounds, placing 13th out of 31 competitors. In 2023, however, she made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win Gold in the Karting Slalom Category and the first Indian woman to win Gold at an international/multinational motorsports event when she participated at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship 2023, representing India. “I was so pleased when I managed to top the Quarter Finals and Semi Finals. On my last attempt in the finals, I set a time limit that was one second faster, winning me the gold medal.”
What’s the secret to her success? “You’re only as good as your last race. I believe there is always room for improvement,” she says, quoting Oprah Winfrey. There’s still a lot of room for improvement – “You can never stop and say I’m happy right here,” she says. “Consistency is of the utmost importance.” It led her to win the first karting slalom championship for India. “It was also extremely special to have had my first win in motorsport on an international platform,” she says.
Roller Coaster Ride
Her journey in motorsports has been a roller coaster ride, and she believes that it will continue to be so. The main challenge is holding her own in a male-dominated sport. “More often than not, I’m the only girl in a group of 25-30 drivers,” Prarthana says. That makes the competition even tougher, but it hasn’t been without its positives. “I have made some amazing memories and the best of friends along the way.” Among her most cherished memories are when she earned points and a rookie award in the first time she drove on a track and when she held the Indian flag at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship and heard the Indian National Anthem play.
Her family has stood by her through it all, constantly believing in her and encouraging her. “It takes a lot to participate in a championship,” Prarthana admits. It requires travelling, attending practice sessions and going to race weekends. “If I can attribute all my success and strength to one individual, it’s my dad. He has been by my side since the beginning,” she smiles. “He’s my biggest pillar of emotional support. Whether it was celebrating victories or navigation challenges he has been a stable and understanding foundation for me. It’s only because of them am I able to overcome so many challenges.”
Training Hard
While motorsport may be mechanically assisted, physical training is just as important in this field. The importance of being physically fit can be easily underestimated here but it is as vital as in any other sport. Her training regimen comprises physical fitness (strength training, cardio, endurance), mental preparation (focus, reaction – reflex training), skill development (simulator training) and recovery (nutrition and rehabilitation).
She has to stay on top of her game physically, and make sure that she enters every competition at peak fitness levels. “I train five days a week, moving through a cycle, working on different areas,” she says. “Giving equal importance to all this is what helps me to be a better overall athlete,” she says.
Sporting Lessons
In a world that is so incredibly competitive, and in a sport that is primarily a male domain, one huge takeaway for her has to be mental toughness. Learning how to handle pressure, staying focused in challenging situations, managing stress, and most importantly learning how to shut all the negative comments out have been her biggest takeaways from her sport.
“I learned to be mentally tough, setbacks and failures are a part of the journey and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” Prarthana says. “Learning to bounce back, adapt, and maintain motivation in the face of adversity is something that I am still working on. I am sure there are many more lessons left to learn.”
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Balancing Act
As someone who understands the importance of maintaining a healthy work life balance, she enjoys watching films, tv shows, reading, baking, solving puzzles, and spending quality time with friends. She is an avid reader, a habit she began as a toddler – “I can’t fall asleep without reading at least one chapter from a book,” Prarthana remarks. “I also love glass painting, which I started by helping my mum when I was around 11. I now conduct workshops and teach glass painting to others. I have been wanting to try my hands on some macrame and crochet,” she says.
Looking ahead, in 2024 she is hoping to take part in more championships, including a few international events. Currently, she is in the process of looking for sponsors and is training to complete a full season in the F1600. She hopes to break a couple more records by becoming the first girl to win a race in that category. “I would also like to represent India in the FIA Motorsport Games 2024 that is happening in Spain. I aim to secure a seat in the Indian Racing League resulting in being one of six female drivers,” she signs off.
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