Aishwarya Pissay becomes first Asian woman to compete in world rally-raid championship

Aishwarya Pissay created history by becoming the first woman from Asia and India to race in the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship in Portugal. Competing in Rally2 Women’s class, she now eyes Dakar 2027 as her next milestone

Hyderabad: In a historic milestone for motorsport, Aishwarya Pissay became the first woman from both Asia and India to race on two wheels at Round 4 of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal 2025, held from September 22 to 28.

Aishwarya entered the event in the W2RC Rally2, Women’s class as a privateer, with strong backing from an elite group of partners including TVS Racing. Her entry represents a unique model of collaboration, blending the independence of a solo campaign with robust institutional support.

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“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. This is a bold step forward for me, and for every girl who dreams of Dakar,” said Aishwarya Pissay.

The rally’s total distance is 2000 km, including five stages and a prologue, on 100 per cent gravel/dirt tracks, covering Alentejo and Ribatejo of Portugal and Extremadura of Spain.

This campaign marks a pivotal step on Aishwarya’s road to Dakar 2027, where she aims to become the first Indian woman to race and finish the Dakar Rally on two wheels, a record no woman from Asia has yet achieved.