History on Two Wheels : Asia’s First Woman to Race the World Rally-Raid Championship

Aishwarya Pissay, India’s pride and a trailblazer in motorsport, recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman from Asia to race in the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship. The event, held in Portugal from September 22 to 28, saw Aishwarya compete in the Rally2 Women’s class at the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal 2025. This accomplishment is not just a personal win  but a symbol of inspiration for young girls across India and Asia, proving that gender is no barrier in pursuing extreme sports at the highest level.The Rally That Tests Every LimitThe BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal 2025 is not for the faint-hearted. Covering a total distance of 2,000 km over five intense stages, plus a prologue, the rally is spread across the challenging terrains of Alentejo and Ribatejo in Portugal and Extremadura in Spain. Riders must navigate entirely gravel and dirt tracks, testing both physical endurance and mental resilience. With six selective sections and a prologue over seven days, the rally demands precision, stamina, and courage, qualities Aishwarya has demonstrated consistently in her racing career.From Passion to Profession: Aishwarya Pissay’s Early JourneyBorn on 14 August 1995 in Karnataka, Aishwarya Pissay discovered her love for motorcycles during small road trips around her hometown of Bengaluru at the age of 18. What started as a hobby soon turned into a passion, as she spent hours mastering bike riding and exploring the thrill of speed and control. Encouraged by her growing skill, she transitioned from casual riding to professional racing, initially competing in circuit racing, where she won Honda and TVS one-make titles. Her dedication and natural talent eventually led her to dominate the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC), setting the foundation for her historic achievements in international motorsports.A Unique Journey: Privateer with Strong SupportWhat makes Aishwarya’s entry particularly notable is her approach as a privateer. While she operates independently, she is backed by a strong ecosystem of partners, including TVS Racing, one of India’s premier motorsport teams. This blend of autonomy and institutional support has allowed her to focus on performance while leveraging expert guidance, technical assistance, and strategic mentorship. “I’m proud to represent India and Asia at this level. Racing as an independent competitor with the support of TVS Racing and our ecosystem of partners makes this mission even more meaningful,” Aishwarya remarked.A Roadmap to Dakar 2027This campaign is more than just a single race; it is a stepping stone toward the Dakar Rally 2027, arguably the world’s most grueling motorsport event. Aishwarya’s goal is to become the first Indian woman to compete and finish Dakar on two wheels , a record no woman from Asia has achieved yet. Her participation in Portugal allows her to gain vital international experience, fine-tune her endurance skills, and prepare strategically for the demands of Dakar, which covers thousands of kilometers of harsh desert terrain.A Legacy of ExcellenceAishwarya Pissay is no stranger to breaking records. She is a three-time FIM Baja World Champion and an 11-time Indian National Champion across both road racing and cross-country rally formats. Her decorated career is proof of relentless determination, discipline, and a passion for motorsport that has inspired countless fans and aspiring racers in India. In a field historically dominated by men, her achievements carry a strong message: dedication, talent, and courage can redefine boundaries and challenge stereotypes. For many young girls growing up in India, motorsport often feels like an unattainable dream. Aishwarya’s journey provides a powerful human connection to those aspirations. She comes from a country where support for women in extreme sports is limited, yet her determination, backed by her team and sponsors, has carved a path that others can follow. Her story is not just about winning races; it is about the courage to pursue unconventional dreams, the strength to face failures, and the inspiration she provides to girls and women who dream of following similar paths.The Road AheadAs the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal 2025 concludes, all eyes will be on Aishwarya’s performance and the insights she gains from this pivotal experience. Beyond the immediate race, her journey is a blueprint for aspiring motorsport enthusiasts in Asia and India. Dakar 2027 is no longer a distant dream; it is a tangible goal, and Aishwarya Pissay is steadily paving the road toward it. Aishwarya continues to inspire a generation of young women to chase their dreams relentlessly, proving that boundaries exist only to be crossed.

Aishwarya Pissay Is First Indian to Clinch World Championship Title in Motorsports

It was a historic moment for India as Aishwarya Pissay (23), a biker from Bengaluru, won the first world title championship in motorsports. Aishwarya clinched the FIM World Cup in women’s category after winning the final round in Varpalota, Hungary on Monday. The World Championship The FIM World Cup event comprised of four rounds. Aishwarya triumphed in the first round in Dubai and came third in Portugal, fifth in Spain and finished fourth in Hungary to earn a tally of 65 points, thus securing the lead in the final standings for women. She was followed by Portugal's Rita Vieira (61 points), Sara Alvarez (56 pts), Rosa Romero (50 pts) and Margot Farre (13 pts). Aishwarya was the only one among the five riders in her category to compete in all four rounds and this worked to her advantage. On Top Of The World For Aishwarya, winning the world title was an overwhelming moment. She had crashed in Spain last year and suffered career-threatening injuries, but she persevered and went on to put India on the global motorsports map. She said, “It wasn’t an easy race. Given the nature of the terrain, it was more of endurance than just pace. I was riding a smaller bike (250cc) as against the 450cc bikes the other girls were on. So, there was always a difference of 20-25 minutes between me and the other riders.” Aishwarya took a liking for bikes when she started going on weekend rides with her friends. She trained at Apex Racing Academy in Coimbatore and realized that she had the potential to make this interest into a profession. Now with this win, she has proved that she is the best.