Key Points

Aishwarya Pissay has made history by becoming the first woman from Asia to compete in the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship in Portugal. This event is a vital part of her training as she prepares for the ultimate goal of competing in the Dakar Rally. She credits the unwavering support from TVS Racing for making this milestone possible. Her journey is inspiring a new generation of women riders to break barriers in motorsports.

Key Points: Aishwarya Pissay Makes History as First Asian Woman at W2RC Portugal

  • Aishwarya Pissay is the first woman from Asia to compete in the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship
  • The Portugal rally is a crucial training milestone on her road to Dakar 2026
  • Her next target is the Rally of Morocco which is a key Dakar qualifier
  • TVS Racing's support has been instrumental in her historic international journey
3 min read

Aishwarya Pissay makes history as first woman from Asia to compete at W2RC Portugal

TVS Racing's Aishwarya Pissay becomes the first Asian woman to compete in the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship in Portugal, a key step towards her goal of racing at Dakar 2026.

"I hope this journey inspires women racers across the world to believe in themselves and chase their dreams - Aishwarya Pissay"

Bengaluru, September 26

TVS Racing's Aishwarya Pissay has made history as the first woman from Asia to compete at the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship (W2RC): BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal 2025, marking an important training milestone on her road to Dakar.

The fourth-round W2RC rally, which concludes on September 28, 2025, covers a total distance of 2,000 km, including five stages and a prologue, on 100% gravel and dirt tracks spanning the Alentejo and Ribatejo regions of Portugal and Extremadura in Spain, as per a release from TVS Racing.

Aishwarya's participation in Portugal is a crucial step in her preparation, followed by the Rally of Morocco, which is the key qualifier for Dakar. Her ultimate goal is to become the first Indian woman to compete at the Dakar Rally 2026, inspiring women riders across the country to dream big and push boundaries.

"This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and I'm proud to represent India at this level. Every milestone I have achieved has been possible because of the unwavering support, guidance, and resources from TVS Racing. Competing at the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship in Portugal is an important step in my preparation, and my next target is the Rally of Morocco, a critical qualifier on the road to Dakar. My eyes are firmly set on the Dakar Rally 2026, and I am more determined than ever to push boundaries, break barriers, and represent India on the global stage. I hope this journey inspires women racers across the world to believe in themselves and chase their dreams," said Aishwarya Pissay, TVS Racer.

Established in 1982 as India's first factory rally team, TVS Racing has been a cornerstone of Indian motorsports and a launchpad for over 3,000 professional racers. Pushing the limits on high-performance TVS Apache motorcycles, the team has set benchmarks on national and international tracks.

It's 20-year-old "Track to Road" philosophy ensures that racing expertise translates into everyday riding. In 2016, TVS Racing made history again by introducing the world's first all-women factory racing team, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to empowering women riders and nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels, paving the way for champions like Aishwarya.

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business - Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, "TVS Racing has always been a trailblazer in Indian motorsports, shaping champions, pushing boundaries, and fostering talent for over four decades. Our commitment to nurturing riders and empowering women in the sport is at the heart of everything we do. Aishwarya Pissay is a shining example of this vision. Her courage, skill, and determination demonstrate what is possible when talent is given the right support. As she races through Portugal on her path to Dakar 2026, she is not just pursuing a personal milestone, she is inspiring a generation of riders to dream bigger, break barriers, and compete on the world stage."

From Portugal to Morocco and beyond, Aishwarya's journey is redefining what's possible for women in motorsports and inspiring a new generation of riders to reach for the extraordinary.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Rohit P
As a motorsports enthusiast, I've been following her journey. The Dakar Rally is no joke - 2000 km on gravel tracks requires immense physical and mental strength. TVS Racing deserves credit for backing her properly.
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Sarah B
While this is great news, I wish mainstream media gave more coverage to such achievements rather than just cricket. There are so many Indian athletes breaking barriers in different sports.
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Arjun K
Bengaluru girl making India proud! 🏍️ The fact that she's the first Asian woman to compete at this level shows how underrepresented we are in global motorsports. Hope she inspires many more girls to take up racing.
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Karthik V
TVS Racing's support system seems really solid. Their "Track to Road" philosophy and all-women factory team initiative back in 2016 shows genuine commitment to developing talent. More Indian companies should follow this model.
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Nisha Z
My daughter saw this news and now wants to learn bike riding! 😄 It's amazing how role models like Aishwarya can change perceptions about what women can achieve. Wishing her all the best for Morocco qualifier!
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Michael C
The Dakar Rally is one of the toughest motorsport events globally. If she qualifies, it would be a monumental achievement for Indian sports, not just

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