Mumbai :

Alisha Abdullah is India’s only woman super bike racer and the fastest Indian car racer. With racing in her genes (her father RA Abdullah was a famous bike racer and seven-time national champion), Alisha is someone who gives the guys a run for their money. CS catches up with this feisty young lady who is all set for a tournament to be held in Hyderabad next weekend:

Who: Alisha Abdullah

What: Talking about her life as a racer

In prep mode

We had a race at Coimbatore two weeks back. I finished seventh out of 25 guys, which was pretty decent. In racing, you cannot be training with your bike/car throughout the year. It is very expensive. What you need to ensure whether your bike/car is at par with those of the others in terms of technology and mechanism. I do a lot of physical training in the gym to improve on my stamina, core strength, lower back and neck areas. The sport is too much for a girl to handle physically, so I need to workout really hard.

Daddy’s little girl

My interest in racing started when I was eight years old. My dad was a racer too and I was fascinated by the machine, speed, action, etc. I used to love it when he put on his suit. My dad got me a small bike as well. Later on, I tried my hand at go-karting and did very well. Slowly, racing developed into a passion. Finally, when my dad gifted me a 600 cc superbike on my 18th birthday, I knew that motorsports was my vocation.

Feminine side

Though people might think of me as this girl with a rock chic fashion sense like boots, leather jackets, denims, et all, I am not at all tomboyish off the track. I love wearing pretty dresses for evening events with jewellery as well. In fact, people get a surprise when they come to know that I am Alisha, the super biker (laughs out loud).

My inspiration

My dad has been my biggest supporter throughout. I have seen the kind of hard work and sacrifices he has made in his career. I am a huge fan of Virat Kohli. I love attitude and focus on his game. He doesn’t give a damn to what people say about him. I think that’s the greatest quality in a sportsman.

source: http://www.sports.ndtv.com / Home> Sports Home> Other Sports> More / by mid-day.com / Monday – July 08th, 2013