Anam Hashim broke barriers to become a motorcycle daredevil

Anam Hashim has overcome several odds to become what she is today – a professional motorcycle athlete. “Motorcycle riding is not considered a sport in India – particularly the field that I chose, which is stunt riding,” Hashim, said at ET Women’s Forum.The 25-year-old comes from a conservative Indian Muslim family. When she took up the sport, Hashim would field questions like, “Who will marry you if your face gets injured?”She ignored such comments to focus on what she wanted. Using the internet to search for stunts, bikes and role-models, Hashim found Sarah Lezito, a French stunt rider. Lezito inspired her to start the trend among women in India as well.Hashim is the first woman to do a solo ride to the gruelling Khardung La pass, that too on a scooter. The trip, which was her first solo, was a life-changing experience for her. Before the trip, Hashim had been bullied by male stunt riders who would always egg her to give up. The trip acted as a getaway from the negativity and made her stronger.Hashim said stunt riding opportunities are limited in India as it is not officially recognised as a sport. She has now transitioned to cross-country rally racing, which involves racing long distances in difficult terrains. Last year, she participated in the ‘Desert Storm’ race, where participants travelled 2,000 km in four days in the undulating Thar desert. “We’re very far from being sponsored athletes like cricketers,” Hashim said. She would write to international companies to associate with her and provide her gear, as it was extremely expensive to procure in India. “I’ve never done wheelies on the road,” said Hashim about the stunt that involves riding with your front tyre raised. Wheelies are illegal on roads and are considered a nuisance because they create a lot of noise, she explained. Hence, Hashim said she always finds deserted spots to do such stunts, and makes she sure she gets permission. Her advice for young women in the country? “Be sure of what you want to do in life. When you’re sure, just stick to it and don’t doubt yourself.” Hashim also advised anyone who wanted to take up motorcycling, even as a recreational sport, to wear helmet as people in India still lack road safety sense.

from Economic Times https://ift.tt/33hTQTT