Kohima hosts launch of Indian Racing Festival

A drift car performing a smoky display at the Indian Racing Festival 2025 in Kohima on Saturday. (EM images)

KOHIMA — The Indian Racing Festival 2025 – A Carnival of Total Control, covering the northeastern cities – commenced in Kohima on Saturday, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Nagaland Adventure and Motor Sports Association (NAMSA).

Drawn by the excitement of racing, motorsports enthusiasts thronged to Thizama to catch a glimpse of the racing exhibition displayed by professionals, which took place between 4th NAP Battalion Ground and Police Baptist Church Thizama road stretch.

Stunt professionals exhibiting their skills during the Indian Racing Festival 2025 at Thizama in Kohima on Saturday. (EM images)

Organised by NAMSA and powered by JK Tyre and Industries, stunt professionals from across India proved their racing instincts and high-performance skills. The racing event featured go-karts, drift cars, stunt bikes, wolf cars and Formula 4.

A stunt biker showcasing his skills at the Indian Racing Festival 2025 in Kohima on Saturday. (EM images)

A karting enthusiast in action at the Indian Racing Festival 2025 in Kohima on Saturday. (EM images)

The festival is not just about speed and skill; it is about connection. It is an event that connects people and regions, showcasing the rich culture of the northeast as a hub of tourism, the general secretary of NAMSA, Tovi Chophi, said.

He added the association is committed to helping the youth and building towards motor sport culture as well as promoting a sustainable environment.

Hari Singh, Head of Operations at JK Tyres and Industries, described the northeast as a hub of adventure, culture and untapped motorsport potential. With the northeast tour, the company aims to strengthen its engagement, foster local talent and establish the region as a motorsport powerhouse in India. It aims to rope in the youths of the region in motorsports and bring them to the mainstream.

The stunt professionals ranged from eight-year-old Aarav Sureka and Yatharth Gaur (both karters) to F4 driver Sohail Shah, Sandeep Kumar (wolf car), stunt bikers Kruba Chander and Prabhakaran, drift car drivers Ashwin and Sanam, and stunt car drivers Hari Singh, Sunny Kumar, and Bobby Bhogal.

The festival is scheduled to run from April 12 to the 22nd, covering multiple northeastern cities, including Aizawl, Shillong, Guwahati, and Gangtok.