Kabilesh Triumphs at MalaysiaSBK: A New Indian Champion Rises

Sepang (Malaysia), Dec 15, 2024: Fourteen-year-old Indian sensation K.R. Kabilesh burst into the international spotlight at the Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) finale on Sunday, claiming his maiden victory on the global stage. Competing in the MSBK 250B class, the youngster clinched two podium finishes, placing second in Race 1 before surging to a commanding win in Race 2 at the famed Sepang International Circuit.

Though still in his early teens, Kabilesh’s journey has been anything but ordinary. He first turned heads in the Indian Mini GP races in Bengaluru back in 2022, running alongside none other than his father, multiple national champion Rajini Krishnan. Since starting out in the FIM MiniGP Indian Championship, the young rider steadily graduated to national-level racing before making his MSBK debut earlier this year aboard a Kawasaki Ninja 250R. By Round 3 in October, he was already a podium finisher. At the season finale, he lifted his performance even further. He is also the youngest rider to win in the MSBK.

Race 1 saw Kabilesh seize the lead from the start, fending off a relentless challenge from Indonesian rider Rakha Bima Saktiansyah. Despite relinquishing the top spot on Lap 4, he remained in hot pursuit, ultimately crossing the line a razor-thin 0.014 seconds behind his rival, a clear indicator of the fight he was willing to bring.

That narrow defeat only fueled his determination. In Race 2, Kabilesh delivered a stunning performance, building a four-second cushion over Saktiansyah that his competitor simply couldn’t overcome. The result capped a stellar rookie season, propelling Kabilesh to a fourth-place finish in the overall standings with a total of 81 points.

For Kabilesh, racing is more than a passion. It’s in his DNA. His father, Rajini Krishnan, is an iconic figure in Indian motorsport, boasting 11 national titles, as well as the Losail Asian Champion (600cc) crown and MSBK championships. Kabilesh, following in those legendary footsteps, has already begun carving out his own legacy.

“It’s rewarding to see my hard work pay off,” Kabilesh said after the race. “While other kids play, I’m out there travelling and racing. It’s a sacrifice, but today’s result makes it all worth it. This is just the beginning of a long, challenging road.”

Caption: Eleven time National champion, Rajini Krishnan, left and India’s first rider in MotoGp, Sarath, who also coached the youngster, pose with Kabilesh after his win at Sepang on Sunday.

The young rider was quick to credit the man who paved the way. “I am extremely thankful to my dad, Rajini Krishnan, without whom I wouldn’t be here. He’s my hero, my mentor, and my inspiration. I dedicate this win to him,” Kabilesh added.

With talent forged on familiar tracks at home and now proven on the international stage, Kabilesh’s star is unmistakably on the rise—just like the racing dynasty he proudly represents.