Nepal joins Global Motorsport Arena with Launch of Motoring Academy

When most people think of Nepal, images of snow-capped mountains, winding trekking trails, and vibrant cultural festivals immediately come to mind. Rarely do they imagine the roar of engines, the thrill of racing circuits, or the adrenaline rush of motorsports. Yet, Nepal is now embracing a bold new chapter—one that combines youth, technology, and innovation with the fast-paced world of motorsports—through the launch of the Motoring Academy.

The idea behind the academy is both simple and transformative: to create a dedicated space where young people can learn, train, and grow as leaders in motorsports and mobility-related fields. For years, aspiring racers in Nepal faced a critical challenge: there were no structured pathways, no professional training facilities, and no internationally recognized certifications.

The Motoring Academy aims to change that by providing hands-on training, leadership development, and exposure to global standards, giving young talent a platform to dream bigger and reach further. Motorsports are, by nature, a global sport built on collaboration.

International organizations such as the International Road Federation, Transportation Research Board, Alliance of Automotive Innovation, SAE International, FISITA, and the Automotive Research Association of India have been advancing safety, technology, and innovation for decades. Nepal is now joining this global dialogue.

Locally, partnerships with top academic institutions like Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, and Nepal Engineering College complement efforts by the Motoring Academy, Motoring Foundation, and Motoring Nepal, while international motor clubs are sharing their experience, knowledge, and expertise.

Even with these connections, Nepal’s motorsport sector has long lacked consistent international-level support. Recognizing this gap, the Motoring Academy has been established to provide technical guidance, institutional support, and professional training, with the goal of becoming a cornerstone of Nepal’s motorsport ecosystem and a strong foundation for the Nepal Motoring Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The official launch of the academy took place during the program “Policy Dialogue on Automobile and Better Mobility” on 2–3 August 2025, an event that brought together policymakers, industry leaders, educators, and young athletes.

For many, it was not just a launch—it was the start of a movement, signaling that Nepal is ready to embrace motorsports professionally and safely.

Adding further credibility is the support from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the world’s governing body for motorcycle sport. FIM’s recognition places Nepal firmly on the global motorsport map, showing that the country is serious about nurturing talent, building safe racing environments,and meeting international standards.

For young riders and aspiring racers, this endorsement ensures that the academy’s programs are world-class, opening doors for international competitions, collaborations, and professional growth. It also reassures sponsors, partners, and educators that Nepal’s motorsport ecosystem is credible, structured, and forward-looking.

The Motoring Academy goes beyond training athletes. It emphasizes a holistic approach, combining technical expertise with safety, research, and leadership. Upcoming programs include Medical & Safety Seminars, preparing participants and event staff in advanced first aid and emergency protocols, as well as Heavy Equipment Training, equipping students to handle the machinery and logistics critical for motorsport events and broader industrial applications. These initiatives ensure that learning is practical, professional, and deeply connected to real-world requirements.

Looking ahead, the Motoring Academy is nurturing not just skilled athletes, but a new generation of engineers, innovators, and leaders who can take Nepal to the global motorsport and mobility stage. By combining structured training, strong partnerships, media visibility, and international recognition, the academy is creating a bridge between passion, profession, and innovation.

Nepal is ready to shift gears. With engines revving, tracks being laid, and young talent stepping onto the field, the Motoring Academy is propelling the country toward a future where motorsports, research, and innovation thrive side by side—and where Nepalese youth are empowered to lead globally.

Vision of Motoring Academy

The academy’s vision is ambitious yet grounded: to make Nepal a recognized center for motorsports, research, and leadership in South Asia. The Academy wants to see young Nepalese not just watching global motorsport events on TV but competing in them, managing them, and leading innovation in mobility technologies.

To make that vision real, the mission has been laid out clearly:

• Provide professional motorsports training and certification.
• Build a sustainable ecosystem that blends sports, technology, and management.
• Empower Nepalese youth with opportunities to shine on international stages.

This mission is not about copying what other countries have done but about carving out a unique Nepali story—where passion meets professionalism and where the love of speed and innovation translates into skill, safety, and global exposure.

Leadership and Management

To guide the academy, we will have a diverse board made up of professionals from different fields. Their expertise will ensure that the academy grows with both passion and direction.

The board of the academy brings together key institutions and professionals to ensure strong governance and diverse expertise. It includes Er. Mahesh Adhikari from the Nepal Automobiles’ Association, serving as Coordinator; a representative from the Sports Science Academy of Nepal; Asst. Prof. Dr. Sudip Bhattarai representing the Institute of Engineering (IOE); a representative from Motoring Nepal; and an Academic Partner representative.

In addition, the board features an appointed expert in automobiles, sports, or management, along with a managing official as a member, collectively providing strategic direction and institutional support to the academy’s mission.

Building Strong Partnerships

The academy’s strength lies in its partnerships. Collaborations with the Institute of Engineering (IOE) and NASA Nepal form the academic foundation, ensuring that motorsports and mobility are ties to research, innovation, and higher education. These partnerships will

• Co-host regular motorsport and academic events.
• Launch joint projects under the Motoring Academy.
• Endorse exciting sports events such as Karts, Cross Car, Motorcycles, Drone, and Robotic sports.
• Drive research and innovation in mobility.
• Offer scholarships, training, and international exposure.

Training Programs

The academy’s training portfolio is wide-ranging covering both sports disciplines and leadership programs

Sports Training

The academy’s training portfolio is wide-ranging, covering both sports disciplines and leadership programs. In four-wheel sports, participants can train in autocross, auto gymkhana, rally/touring, cross car, karts, and quad biking. The two-wheel sports category includes motocross, road racing, rally/touring, flat and trial racing, enduro and cross-country, slow bike challenges, and stunt riding.

Expanding beyond land-based motorsports, the academy also offers watersports such as powerboating and jetskiing. In addition, it embraces cutting-edge disciplines under special sports, including esports, drone racing, and robotic combat.

Leadership, Innovation and Motorsports

The Motoring Academy believes that the future of motorsports is not just about who crosses the finish line first—it’s about who can lead, innovate, and inspire beyond the track. With this vision, the Academy has designed a Future Leadership Program, aimed at young people who want to go further than racing skills and step into the roles of organizers, managers, policymakers, and innovators in the world of motorsports.

This program is tailored for those who see motorsports not just as a passion, but as a platform to build careers, transform industries, and create change. It blends sports knowledge, innovation, and leadership development to prepare participants for the multifaceted world of modern motorsport. Participate will explore

• Introduction to Sports- understanding the fundamentals of sports culture, discipline, and values that fuel success on and off the track.
• Policy and Planning- learning how to design strategies and regulations that make motorsports safe, sustainable, and inclusive
• Sports Administration & Structures- gaining insights into how clubs, federations, and governing bodies function at national and international levels
• Licensing Systems- understanding the framework that certifies athletes, officials, and events to ensure global standards and finances in this fast-moving field
• Motorsports Management- developing skills to manage teams, events, logistics, and
• Innovation in Mobility and EVs- exploring how electric vehicles and sustainable technologies are shaping the future of racing and mobility, and how Nepal can become part of this global shift
• Branding & Marketing Guidelines- mastering the art of creating visibility, building fan engagement, and attracting sponsors.
• Proposal and Report Writing- equipping participants with the ability to draft professional documents that win support and funding.
• Merchandise Development- learning how to turn creativity into income streams through motorsport-related products and branding

The Future Leadership Program is more than just lessons in a classroom—it’s a journey. It is built to inspire and shape the next generation of visionaries who see motorsports not only as a sport, but as a space for innovation, leadership, and transformation. Whether it’s pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, shaping the policies that govern the future of mobility, or building strong brands and communities around motorsports, this program gives young leaders the tools to dream big and act boldly.

At its heart, this program isn’t about creating champions who win races. It’s about creating champions of change—leaders who will carry Nepal’s motorsport ecosystem onto the world stage, blending passion with purpose, and speed with vision.

Upcoming Initiatives: Safety and Heavy Equipment Training

The academy also understands that motorsports and mobility go hand in hand with safety and technical competence. To address this, two major initiatives are being prepared:

1. Medical & Safety Seminar:

The academy will launch specialized seminars focusing on first aid, emergency response, and accident prevention in motorsports. These programs will train participants, marshals, and event organizers on international safety protocols. With increasing interest in motorsport events in Nepal, this seminar ensures that safety standards remain uncompromised.

2. Heavy Equipment Training:

Recognizing the demand for skilled operators in construction, mobility, and event infrastructure, the academy will introduce training modules on heavy machinery and equipment handling. This will not only support motorsport logistics (such as track setup and event management) but also contribute to broader national development by producing certified heavy equipment operators.

These initiatives demonstrate that the academy is more than just about “speed and sport”—it is about responsibility, technical skill, and national utility

Facilities and Setup

To make learning effective, safe and professional, the academy plans on:

• Developing comprehensive Training Manuals.
• Setting up Classrooms for both theory and practice.
• Introducing Medical & Safety Training as a core requirement.
• Acquiring a Motorcycle Simulator for safe, hands-on rider training (subject to feasibility).

Learning from International Practices

As we build the Motoring Academy in Nepal, one of our guiding principles is to learn from countries that have successfully nurtured motorsport talent and advanced road safety. Around the world, thriving motorsport and mobility ecosystems combine technical training, research, and safety standards, creating opportunities for young people to excel both on the track and in the broader mobility industry. By understanding these models, we can design programs that give Nepalese youth the tools, knowledge, and confidence to compete globally.

• Malaysia: MIROS and Motoring Education

Malaysia provides a strong example of how research, training, and public education can work together. The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), under the Ministry of Transport, has been a leader in road safety and mobility research since 2007. MIROS not only studies road behavior and vehicle safety but also operates the M-ROADS database, a centralized system for analyzing road accidents and identifying high-risk areas. Their work has helped shape evidence-based policies, public awareness campaigns, and vehicle safety standards.

Alongside MIROS, private motoring academies like Techtra Automotive Academy and Metro Driving Academy have shown the importance of combining hands-on technical training with safety and professionalism. Techtra provides students with practical experience on modern vehicles, while Metro Driving Academy focuses on safe driving skills for both cars and motorcycles. Their model demonstrates that technical mastery, safety, and real-world application can coexist, producing well-rounded professionals.

• Japan: Discipline, Technology, and Motorsport Excellence

Japan is another inspiring example. Known globally for its meticulous approach to automotive education and motorsports, Japanese institutions like the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and specialized driving schools focus on precision, discipline, and ethical driving.

In Japanese academies, young racers are trained not just to drive fast, but to understand the science behind racing—from tire dynamics to vehicle aerodynamics. Safety is embedded in every aspect of learning, and students are encouraged to innovate, experimenting with robotics, mobility solutions, and vehicle technologies. This approach ensures that students become not only skilled drivers but also thoughtful engineers and innovators, ready to contribute to the automotive industry at large.

Advisory Board

The academy has distinguished experts joining our advisory board, bringing international and national expertise and guidance.

The academy is backed by an accomplished team of experts who bring international experience and credibility to its programs. Among them is YBrs. Professor Dr. Wong Shaw Voon, FASc, Chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS), whose extensive expertise in road safety research, policy development, and automotive education helps guide the academy’s initiatives.

Vijitha Wijemanne, Regional Motorsport Project Manager based in Geneva, adds valuable global perspective to the development of motorsport projects. Dr. Kamalkishore Vora, Program Director at the School of Automotive, NAMTECH Ahmedabad, contributes in-depth knowledge of automotive engineering, training methodologies, and curriculum development, ensuring that the academy’s programs align with international technical standards.

Similarly, Dr. Lokendra Bahadur Kathayat, PhD in Sports Sciences from Punjab University and Gold Medalist in M.Sc. Sports Science, currently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Sports at RIMT University, brings specialized expertise in sports science and physical education to enrich the academy’s training and leadership programs.

With their involvement, the Motoring Academy benefits from strategic mentorship, international best practices, and strong connections with leading institutions in Malaysia, India, and the local industry, ensuring that our students receive world-class training, guidance, and exposure.

Conclusion

At its heart, the Motoring Academy is not just an institution—it’s a movement. It is about changing perceptions of motorsports in Nepal, making it more accessible, professional, and forward-looking. With the support of FIM, coverage by Onlinekhabar, and backing from academic and industry partners, the academy has momentum on its side.

The next few years will be crucial. The academy hopes to build not only skilled athletes but also a community of researchers, engineers, and leaders who can use motorsports as a platform for mobility innovation and international recognition.

The Motoring Academy is more than just a training center—it’s a movement to change the face of motorsports in Nepal. By combining skill-building, leadership training, and strong partnerships, the academy will not only prepare athletes and professionals but also inspire a new generation of leaders in mobility and innovation.