Karting |12 December 2025

The accolade for Seychelles was accepted on behalf of SKA by FIA Africa coordinator, Miguel Tiago (Photo: Contributed)

SKA ranked among Global Top 5 in FIA President’s Awards

The Seychelles Karting Association has been officially shortlisted among the top five national sporting authorities worldwide for the prestigious FIA President’s Awards 2025, one of the highest honours granted by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile.

This remarkable achievement places Seychelles alongside some of the world’s leading motorsport nations and represents a historic milestone for the country, while highlighting Africa’s growing influence on the global motorsport stage.

The results were revealed on Tuesday December 9, 2025, during the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) annual general assembly’s cocktail in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where ASN Sweden was announced as the overall winner. The accolade for Seychelles was accepted on behalf of SKA by FIA Africa coordinator, Miguel Tiago, reinforcing the continent’s presence within the international motorsport community.

The FIA recognised shortlisted national sporting authorities (ASN) for excellence in areas including governance, youth development, safety, gender inclusion, digital innovation, and community impact. Seychelles earned praise for establishing an FIA-aligned karting development pathway, launching Girls On Track Seychelles to promote gender inclusion, and becoming the first sports federation in the country to fully embrace Esports, in line with FIA global standards. Other highlights included improving safety and officials’ training, modernising governance and licensing, and preparing young drivers for the 2026 FIA African Motorsport Games.

SKA chairperson, Liza Rene-Cosgrow, described the recognition as a tremendous honour for Seychelles, and a remarkable achievement for Africa.

“It shows that with structure, consistency and vision, even the smallest nations can rise to global standards.

“This honour belongs to our volunteers, officials, drivers, partners, and the entire motorsport community,” she said, also extending her gratitude to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, acknowledging his leadership and support in promoting emerging ASNs.

“His commitment is helping Africa move forward together,” she said.

The SKA’s shortlisting is also a reflection of Africa’s increasing role within the FIA.

Seychelles has contributed through active involvement in FIA Africa commissions and working groups, the introduction of FIA-certified Esports, the development of officials through FIA-led programmes, and the preparation of youth talent for both continental and global competitions.

Looking ahead, SKA is set to build towards Seychelles’ participation in the 2026 FIA African Motorsport Games. The association will continue its work in governance, mobility, sustainability, officiating, and youth engagement.

The FIA President’s Awards celebrate ASNs that demonstrate excellence in sports governance, grassroots development, inclusion, innovation, safety, and sustainability.

Being named among the world’s Top 5 positions Seychelles as one of the most progressive and forward-looking motorsport bodies globally.

Contributed