Media Release
Moodbidri, Jul 7: Tribhuvan Automotive Sports Club (TASC) and Bedra Adventures Club (BAC), Moodbidri congratulated Musa Sherif for being nominated for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, 2021 by the Federation of Motorsports Corporation India (FMSCI).
With over 30 years on the track, Musa is the most dependable navigator for any driver in India. To date, he has navigated for over 50 drivers on various terrains, across the globe. Winning hundreds of laurels on the way. Winner of over 7 national championships, Musa has represented India in over 200 podiums and over 100 wins, which include the victory in IRC Championship 2012, INSUV Championship 2013, Asia Zone 4x4 Championship, APRC2 Asia Cup and the UAE FWD Class Championship (thrice).
“Breaking the tradition, FMSCI for the first time ever proposed the name of a co-driver, Musa Sheriff for this prestigious award. There cannot be a fitting recognition for him for being in the sport for almost 30 years. Coming from a humble family of fishermen, Musa has created history in the Indian motorsport world with his sheer talent and hard work. This award is long-awaited and I urge the ministry to bestow Musa Sheriff with this prestigious award,” said Abhayachandra Jain, president of TASC and former minister for sport and youth affairs, Government of Karnataka.
TASC and BAC proudly associated with this iconic rallyist for decades. Kuldeep, a member of TASC recollects, “Musa has been a participant in all our motor sporting events since 1993. In fact, he is extremely fond of Moodbidri. In 1996, he completed the K1000 national level championship and drove directly to participate in his first two-wheeler rally, here, organised by TASC.”
Prathap, another prominent member of TASC said, “'Hill-Climb' and 'Auto-Cross' events in Moobibidri are his favourites. In addition to participating, Musa helped us organise multiple events.”
While speaking to Akshay Jain of BAC, Akshay spoke about how everybody in Mangaluru loved motor sporting and had a personal connection with Musa. He also added, "Musa is a mentor to many auto-sport enthusiasts and also encourages youngsters to venture into the sport with more seriousness."
Down to earth and available to every motorsport lover, Musa has been happily spreading the love for motorsports across India. A thorough sportsman and an inspiration to millions, Musa deserves the Khel Ratna for his unbeatable accomplishments. This is also an opportunity for many other rallyists to feel a sense of belonging and recognition.
The fact that most of Musa’s career has shaped itself in the coastal city, gives Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada districts great pride to support and cheer his success.