Zayn Khan elected as new FMSCI President

Khan was unanimously elected as the new president of FMSCI at the council meeting in Bangalore.

He replaces R Bharath Raj, who sadly passed away on August 15 while serving as president. The meeting on Tuesday was chaired by FMSCI Chairman Vijay Mallya and was attended by all councilors.

Khan represents the Western India Automobile Association and has extensive knowledge about rallying. He also has experience in officiating at the international level.

"It is overwhelming. I hope to bring unity to the FMSCI," said Khan after his election.

"Bharath was a good friend and I would like to take forward his tenure on a high note.

"My immediate priorities would be to visit a lot of the clubs and promote the sport," he added.

Stressing more on promotion, Khan said: "We are at the absolute peak of motorsport in the country. Promotion of motorsport, publicity, getting more eyeballs to the sport and generally pushing the sport to the forefront in India are things I would like to strive at with the help of the team.

He revealed that India may host one of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship round in 2016 as Chikmagalur prepares to host the Asia Cup round in December this year.

Stating the current time as the "golden period" for the sport, Khan laid importance of media in promoting the sport: "We would like to interact with the media at more regular intervals. We seek the support of the media in spreading the sport in the country."

Speaking to Motorsport.com, former FMSCI president Vicky Chandhok congratulated Khan on his appointment and said: "I recommended Zayn to take up the mantle with a focus on the sport."

"The federation over the last couple of years seemed to be embroiled with few people who organised the least number of events but kept focus on statutory obligations, company law and everything else non-sport oriented.

"Zayn comes from the positive side of things wherein the sport has to come first. I'm happy to lend my support to him and wish him a good year in office," he added.