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Sharing To you all #Racing Stories series part 3.

"The Trailblazer: Dr. Alisha Abdullah's Racing Legacy"

Alisha Abdullah is one of India's most prominent female racing drivers and the country's first female national racing champion. She is known for breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of motorsports and excelling in both car and bike racing. 

Born on July 24, 1989, in Chennai, India, Alisha was introduced to motorsports by her father, RA Abdullah, who himself was a seven-time national bike racing champion. Starting with go-karting at a young age, she soon transitioned into bike racing, where she competed against some of the top male racers in the country. However, after a significant accident in bike racing, Alisha switched to car racing.

She has participated in various national championships, including the MRF National Go-Karting Championship and Formula LGB. In addition to her racing career, Alisha is an advocate for women's empowerment in sports, often encouraging more women to enter motorsports.

Alisha Abdullah's achievements have made her an inspiring figure in Indian motorsports, and she continues to pave the way for the next generation of female racers.

"From Track to Title: Alisha Abdullah’s Path to a Doctorate" 🎖️

Alisha Abdullah was conferred with an honorary doctorate in 2016 by Vels University in Chennai. She received this recognition for her contributions to motorsports and her efforts to break barriers for women in the field. The honorary doctorate acknowledged her trailblazing achievements as India's first female national racing champion and her role in promoting motorsports in India, especially for women.

This honor was a reflection of Alisha’s impact not just as a racer but also as a public figure advocating for gender equality in sports. It also highlighted her work in encouraging young women to pursue careers in motorsports, further solidifying her legacy as a pioneer in Indian racing.

Alisha Abdullah’s journey in motorsports is one of perseverance, passion, and breaking stereotypes. She became interested in racing at an early age, influenced by her father, RA Abdullah, who was a champion racer. Her competitive nature and exposure to motorsports helped her develop skills that were traditionally dominated by men in India.

Early Career in Karting and Bike Racing

Alisha’s first steps into racing were through go-karting, where she showed immense promise. She won the MRF National Go-Karting Championship at a young age, marking her entry into competitive racing. Her initial success in karting laid the foundation for her progression into bike racing.

She soon entered the world of bike racing, competing in national-level championships. However, as a woman, Alisha faced significant challenges, from competing against male racers to navigating a sport where female participation was minimal. Despite this, she excelled, becoming a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack.

 Transition to Car Racing

Alisha's transition from bike to car racing was driven by a serious accident she suffered during a race. The crash forced her to reconsider her career in bike racing, but her passion for motorsports kept her going, and she turned her focus to car racing. She entered the Formula LGB series, a popular single-seater car racing category in India, where she continued to shine. 

One of her most notable achievements was becoming the first woman to win a national championship in the male-dominated motorsport scene in India. Her success in car racing continued with her participation in the Volkswagen Polo Cup and the Indian Touring Car (ITC) championships, competing against some of the best racers in the country.

Advocacy and Challenger

Alisha’s journey was not just about her personal victories. She has long been an advocate for the participation of women in motorsports. Being one of the few female racers, she faced societal challenges and the pressure of competing in a male-dominated field. She regularly speaks about the importance of empowering women in sports and encouraging young girls to pursue their passions, even in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Alisha has also founded a racing academy for women, aiming to nurture the next generation of female racers in India. She has been a visible figure in promoting gender equality in sports and is vocal about the changes needed to create more opportunities for women in motorsports.

 Public Appearances and Media

Alisha Abdullah’s fame has grown beyond the racetrack. She has appeared on various platforms, from motorsport events to media interviews, and has become a role model for aspiring female racers. Her story of resilience, dedication, and success continues to inspire many, not just in India but globally.

Achievements🏆

Alisha Abdullah's victories in the racing world are significant not only because they highlight her talent but also because they mark milestones for women in Indian motorsports. Some of her key achievements and victories include:

 1. National Go-Karting Championship 

   - Victory:  Alisha won the MRF National Go-Karting Championship  at a young age, which served as her entry point into competitive racing. This victory helped establish her reputation in the Indian racing circuit.

 2. National Bike Racing Championships 

   - Top Performer: Before transitioning to car racing, Alisha competed in various national bike racing championships, where she consistently performed well, racing alongside men. While specific race wins in bike racing aren't well documented, her competitive standing against male racers was seen as a significant victory for women in motorsports.

3. Formula LGB Championship 

   - Pioneering Victory: After moving to car racing, Alisha became the  first woman  to win a national-level championship in car racing in India. Her performance in the  Formula LGB series  was a breakthrough, making her a notable figure in Indian motorsports.

4. Volkswagen Polo Cup 

   - Competitive Success:  Alisha competed in the Volkswagen Polo Cup , a popular touring car series in India. While she may not have secured podium finishes regularly, her participation and competitiveness in a male-dominated field marked her as a trailblazer.

 5. Indian Touring Car (ITC) Championships 

   - Top Woman Racer:  In the Indian Touring Car Championship , Alisha competed with the best racers in India. Her participation in such high-profile events showcased her ability to handle some of the toughest circuits and her resilience as one of the top women racers in India.

6. Rookie of the Year Award 

   - Recognition:  Alisha was awarded the Rookie of the Year  title during her early years of competing in car racing. This recognition further underscored her potential and talent in the field.

 7. National Car Racing Championship - 2016 

   - Victory: In 2016, Alisha added another feather to her cap by securing a victory in a national car racing event. This win further established her as one of India’s top female racers.

These victories and achievements are particularly significant in the context of Alisha’s efforts to break through in a male-dominated sport. Each win serves as a milestone in her journey to inspire more women to take part in motorsports.

Legacy

Alisha Abdullah’s legacy in Indian motorsports is one of breaking boundaries. As the first woman to make significant inroads into the national racing circuit, she has left an indelible mark on the sport. She has shown that motorsports, like any other field, can be a space for women to succeed and lead, challenging long-standing stereotypes and setting new standards for future generations.

In 2019, Alisha Abdullah made a significant contribution to the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) by being appointed as one of the nine members of the FMSCI's Women in Motorsports Commission . This commission was formed with the aim of promoting women's participation in motorsports and creating opportunities for women racers, engineers, and officials in the field.

As part of this role, Alisha worked towards:

1. Promoting Women’s Involvement: She actively campaigned for greater inclusion of women in all areas of motorsports, from driving to administrative roles. Her own experiences as a female racer helped her advocate effectively for policies that could help bring more women into the sport.

2. Mentoring Young Racers:  Alisha took up the role of mentoring and encouraging young female racers, helping them navigate the challenges of competing in a male-dominated sport. Her success story served as an inspiration for many aspiring female racers.

3. Organizing Events and Workshops: The Women in Motorsports Commission, with Alisha’s involvement, worked on organizing events and workshops aimed at increasing awareness and participation of women in motorsports. These initiatives helped highlight the importance of gender diversity in the sport and fostered a more inclusive environment.

Alisha Abdullah’s role in the FMSCI commission further established her as a leader in advancing women’s representation in motorsports in India. Through her involvement, she continued her advocacy for equality in the racing industry, encouraging more women to break into the sport and showcasing the potential for female talent in motorsports.

All photos credits Goes to : Dr Alisha Abdullah instagram page 

That's all Your Quester Jabir Signing off From @iQOO Connect