Avik Anwar and Kashfia Arfa Lead the Way at AAB Motorsport Awards 2025
Bangladesh’s motorsport journey reached a historic milestone in 2025 as the Automobile Association of Bangladesh (AAB) officially launched the inaugural AAB Motorsport Awards, recognising outstanding Bangladeshi drivers, teams, officials, and contributors who elevated the nation’s presence on both local and international racing platforms.
As a proud member of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) since 1953, AAB holds the responsibility of governing and developing motorsport in Bangladesh. With motorsport gaining momentum across disciplines such as karting, auto slalom, rally, and esports, the 2025 awards marked a defining moment honouring excellence, commitment, and the future of competitive racing in the country.
A Breakthrough Year for Bangladesh Motorsport
The year 2025 was transformative for Bangladeshi motorsport. Drivers represented the country at prestigious events such as the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship (APMC) and the Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship (AAGC), while domestic championships expanded into new disciplines like auto slalom and karting slalom.
This growth was reflected in the diversity of winners at the AAB Motorsport Awards—spanning female racers, rookies, esports champions, overseas Bangladeshi drivers, officials, and coaches. Together, they showcased the depth of talent that is now shaping Bangladesh’s racing future.
Driver of the Year 2025: Avik Anwar Leads from the Front
The headline accolade, Driver of the Year, went to Avik Anwar, widely regarded as Bangladesh’s most accomplished racing driver of the modern era.
In 2025, Avik excelled across three motorsport disciplines—circuit racing, rally-style crosscar racing, and esports sim racing. He not only competed abroad in international circuit events but also represented Bangladesh at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship 2025 in the crosscar category, a first for the nation.
On the home front, Avik captured the National Pro-Am title in the National Esports Sim Racing Championship, underlining his versatility across both real-world and virtual racing platforms. His season was made even more remarkable after recovering from a serious crash at Malaysia’s iconic Sepang Circuit, returning to competition without missing a single race.
Avik’s leadership extended beyond personal achievements. As Team Captain, he led Bangladesh’s national motorsport team at the APMC in Sri Lanka, marking a proud moment for the country on the regional stage.
Female Driver of the Year: Kashfia Arfa Sets New Benchmarks
Kashfia Arfa claimed the Female Driver of the Year award after a year that showcased determination, adaptability, and international exposure.
She emerged as the highest-ranked female driver in the National Karting Slalom Championship and later played a key role in introducing auto slalom to Bangladesh by providing demonstration laps at the National Auto Slalom Championship.
Internationally, Kashfia represented Bangladesh at the Asia Auto Gymkhana Championship, competing in rounds held in Kyrgyzstan and Sri Lanka. Her standout performance came at the APMC in Sri Lanka, where she raced in both Auto Gymkhana and Karting Slalom Senior categories.
In esports, Kashfia faced intense competition from Tanzila Mahbub and Tanazzul Ayman before an injury brought her season to an early close. With her recovery underway, AAB and fans alike are looking forward to her return in 2026.
Rising Stars and New Champions
The 2025 awards also celebrated the next generation of motorsport talent:
Rookie of the Year: Khondoker Abdullah Ayaz
National Karting Champion: Arhaam Rahaman
National Karting Slalom Senior Champion: Abrar Rokon Protik
National Karting Slalom Junior Champion: Tahsin Asad Khan
National Auto Slalom Champion: Saier Bin Mahboob
Overseas Bangladeshi Driver of the Year: Rasel Rahman
Ayaz further strengthened his credentials by also winning AAB Motorsport Academy Student of the Year, highlighting the academy’s growing role in shaping elite competitors.
Esports Excellence: Racing in the Digital Arena
Motorsport in Bangladesh is no longer confined to physical tracks. The rise of sim racing and esports has opened new doors for young talents.
National Esports Driver of the Year: Rahul Chakraborty
National Esports Team of the Year: Rahul Chakraborty & Fahad Gaffoor
Their success underscores how esports is becoming a legitimate pathway into professional motorsport, aligning Bangladesh with global trends in driver development.
Teams, Officials, and Unsung Heroes
Behind every successful driver stands a network of professionals who make motorsport possible.
Team of the Year: AAB National Motorsport Team (APMC 2025)
Officials Team of the Year: National Auto Slalom, Karting Slaloms & Esports Time Attack Championships Officiating Team
Coach of the Year: Fahad Gaffoor
Motorsport Commitment Award: Mohaimin Chowdhury
These recognitions highlight the growing professionalism of Bangladesh’s motorsport ecosystem from event management and officiating to athlete development and long-term commitment.
AAB Motorsport Academy: Building the Future
One of the most significant pillars behind this progress is the AAB Motorsport Academy, which offers structured training under the FIA’s official motorsport authority in Bangladesh.
The academy provides aspiring racers with:
- Professional coaching
- Track and simulator training
- Safety education
- Pathways to earning official competition racing licences
With students like Khondoker Abdullah Ayaz already making national impact, the academy is fast becoming the gateway for Bangladesh’s next generation of champions.
Why the AAB Motorsport Awards Matter
The launch of the AAB Motorsport Awards is more than a ceremonial event—it signals the maturity of motorsport in Bangladesh. By formally recognising excellence across competitive, technical, and developmental roles, AAB is laying the foundation for:
Greater youth participation
Increased international exposure
Professional standards in governance and safety
A sustainable motorsport ecosystem
From karting tracks to esports arenas, and from local championships to Asian-level competitions, Bangladesh’s motorsport story is entering a bold new chapter.
Driving Bangladesh Forward
The AAB Motorsport Awards 2025 did more than celebrate individual achievements, they told the story of a nation accelerating toward a stronger motorsport future. With leaders like Avik Anwar, trailblazers like Kashfia Arfa, and a growing base of young talent supported by the AAB Motorsport Academy, Bangladesh is no longer on the sidelines of regional racing.
