AISHWARYA PISSAY Makes History As First Asian Woman at Portugal W2RC Rally

September 26, 2025

by BL Chennai Bureau // from www.thehindubusinessline.com

GRRL! SUMMARY:

AISHWARYA PISSAY just shattered another ceiling, becoming the first woman from Asia to compete in the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship at BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal 2025. We’re watching history unfold as she tackles 2,000 km of pure gravel and dirt across Portugal’s Alentejo and Ribatejo regions plus Spain’s Extremadura – five stages that are setting her up for something even bigger.
This Portugal run isn’t just about breaking records today – it’s strategic preparation for her ultimate target: becoming the first Indian woman to compete at Dakar Rally 2026. With Morocco’s rally serving as the key Dakar qualifier next on her calendar, AISHWARYA is methodically building the experience and credentials needed to make that dream reality.
What we love about AISHWARYA’s approach is how she’s explicitly connecting her achievements to inspiring the next generation of women riders across India. She’s not just racing for personal glory – she’s carrying the hopes of every woman who’s been told rally racing isn’t for them and proving that boundaries exist only to be pushed past.