MotoGP sparks controversy with distorted map of India before first race, triggering public backlash.

NEW DELHI: A huge controversy marred the eagerly awaited debut of MotoGP in India when a distorted map of the country, excluding Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, was displayed during a live stream of the prestigious motorcycle racing event on Friday.

Apology issued by MotoGP:

★MotoGP issued an apology on its official X (formerly Twitter) account for the oversight.
★They stated that it was never their intent to make any statement other than that of support and appreciation for India.
★MotoGP expressed their excitement to be enjoying the IndianOil Grand Prix of India and their first taste of the Buddha International Circuit.

Sporting events and schedule:

★Practice sessions for all classes ★Moto 2, Moto 3, and MotoGP ★were scheduled for Friday.
★Qualifying rounds were slated for Saturday.
★The main races were eagerly anticipated on Sunday.

India’s return to motorsport:

★India’s hosting of MotoGP marks the country’s return to such a prestigious event since the 2013 Formula 1 Indian Grand Prix.
★The F1 event was dropped from the calendar due to various issues, including financial, taxation, and bureaucratic challenges.

Long-term commitment to Indian motorsport:

★Dorna, the organizers of MotoGP, and Fairstreet have signed a seven-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for hosting the MotoGP race in India.
★This indicates a long-term commitment to the country’s motorsport scene.

Funding and infrastructure:

★The Uttar Pradesh government allocated a fund of Rs 8 crore for the MotoGP event following a proposal from Fairstreet Sports.
★The fund aimed to enhance the event’s infrastructure and ensure a smooth experience for participants and spectators.
★Local authorities also worked on beautification and road repair projects on the connecting routes leading to the Buddh International Circuit.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the distorted map during the MotoGP live stream has been addressed with an apology from MotoGP. The event has generated excitement among fans, and India’s return to hosting such a prestigious motorsport event signifies a long-term commitment to the country’s motorsport scene. The allocation of funds and infrastructure improvements further demonstrate the authorities’ dedication to the success of the event.