Aishwarya Pissay: Defying Odds to Become India’s Triple World Champion in Motorsports

Aishwarya Pissay's remarkable journey from a non-traditional path to becoming India’s first triple World Champion in motorsports is one of resilience, passion, and breaking barriers.

Her road to success was far from conventional. Dropping out before completing Class 12 and facing expulsion from her home, Aishwarya’s turning point came through a TV show showcasing long-distance motorcycle journeys. This inspired her to carve a new path, undeterred by societal norms and family scepticism.

“When I got into this sport,” Aishwarya shared with Deccan Chronicle, “it was more about breaking all these barriers. Being on the bike was a feeling of coming alive every single time.”

Her early days were tough. Participating in reality shows like Chase the Monsoon and Bun Burner, she covered thousands of kilometres in challenging conditions, proving her mettle. Slowly, her parents began to support her after witnessing her growing list of achievements.

A pioneer in a male-dominated sport, Aishwarya encountered unique hurdles, including the lack of female mentors. “I didn’t have many women riders to train with initially,” she told Your Story. “Today, I’m happy to see a lot more Indian women champions.”

Her accolades include five national road racing and rally championships, victories in the girls’ National Two-Wheeler Championship, and the Indian Rally Championship for girls. In 2017, she became the first woman to complete the grueling Raid de Himalaya, a test of endurance even for seasoned riders.

Her journey hasn’t been without setbacks. A major accident in 2017 resulted in a fractured collarbone, requiring surgery and months of recovery. Yet, her grit and determination propelled her forward, cementing her place as a trailblazer in Indian motorsports.

Aishwarya’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of passion and perseverance, proving that no road is too tough when fueled by determination.