BENGALURU: This is a move that could open the doors for more Indian women in international motorsport. Bengaluru's Aishwarya P and Chennai's Shruthi Nagarajan will compete in the 2016 FIM Asia Cup of Road Race from November 4-6 at the Penbay International Circuit (FIA Grade 2) in Taiwan.
The race will feature 12 participants from different countries and the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India has nominated two women, a first for Indian motorsport. The participants will ride Yamaha Cygnus 125cc four-stroke scooters at the 3.5Km circuit.
Both riders have participated in the FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship, but this is a big step forward. International motorsport is currently seeing a lot of women taking part but there are few Indians.
"It's a stepping stone because I like bike racing. I am going to live my dream and also break the stereotype. This is the first time the FMSCI is sending women to represent India in an international event. I feel really proud," said Aishwarya. "I think we are the first two women to represent India. This sets the tone for bigger things."
Shruthi echoed Aishwarya's sentiments. "I am looking forward to this event because every sport in India has women representing the country. I am happy and excited that Aishwarya and I are the first women in India to be nominated," she stated.
"Men are usually sent. But when I got a call from the FMSCI, I was happy because this is a very big step. This means they are letting women grow equally with the men," Shruthi added.
Aishwarya and Shruthi have been participating in the Ladies Class of the Indian National Championship but the former has taken part in the Group D (stock bikes) among the men riders as well. Participating in this international event will give them valuable experience.
"We will know where we stand internationally. It is a chance for us to improve. We will get to meet new racers, learn a new track and ride a different machine. It is a new platform," said Aishwarya.
Shruthi too has been a recent entrant into two-wheeler racing. "It has been a short time since I started racing professionally. Now that I am going to race internationally, it will give me more confidence. It makes me want to work and fight harder in the future," she explained.
With the Taiwan race being on scooters, it is going to be slightly different from the motorcycles they are used to riding. "Scooters are more difficult to ride. On a motorcycle, we have the tank to lean on at corners. But I have been studying on-board videos and hope to do well," said Shruthi.
Aishwarya added: "Whether it is a bike or something new like the scooter, we still have to get the basics right."
vivekphadnis@newindianexpress.com