NE SPORTS BUREAU
BENGALURU, SEPT 26
Dust clouds, gravel tracks, and a dream that refuses to slow down — TVS Racing’s Aishwarya Pissay has become the first woman from Asia to compete at the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship (W2RC): BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal 2025.
The rally is no joyride. Stretching across 2,000 km of raw dirt and gravel in Portugal’s Alentejo and Ribatejo regions and Spain’s Extremadura, it packs in five punishing stages and a prologue. Yet for Aishwarya, this was more than survival — it was a stepping stone to her biggest goal yet: Dakar Rally 2026.
- TVS Racing star powers through 2,000 km of rugged gravel tracks on her road to Dakar 2026, inspiring a new generation of women riders to break barriers and chase global glory
- Aishwarya Pissay is a shining example of our vision: Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company
“This journey has been incredibly fulfilling and I’m proud to represent India at this level,” said Aishwarya, moments after conquering the stages. “Competing in Portugal is an important step in my preparation, and my next target is the Rally of Morocco — a critical qualifier for Dakar. My eyes are firmly set on Dakar Rally 2026. I’m determined to push boundaries, break barriers, and represent India on the global stage.”
The milestone echoes the spirit of TVS Racing, India’s first factory rally team, which since 1982 has forged over 3,000 professional racers and in 2016 made waves by launching the world’s first all-women factory racing team. For Aishwarya, that support has been her fuel. “Every milestone I have achieved has been possible because of the unwavering guidance and resources from TVS Racing,” she said.
For the brand, she’s more than a racer — she’s a statement. “Aishwarya Pissay is a shining example of our vision,” said Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company. “Her courage, skill, and determination show what’s possible when talent is nurtured. As she races through Portugal on her path to Dakar 2026, she’s inspiring a generation of riders to dream bigger, break barriers, and compete on the world stage.”
From the gravel of Portugal to the deserts of Morocco, Aishwarya is riding on grit and history — a lone warrior on two wheels, proving that adventure sports have no boundaries, and neither do women who dare.
