Automobile racing, be it in cars or on bikes, has always been a male-dominated sport. While seeing women in control of steering wheels of cars is now common, watching women zipping by on a bike still raises eyebrows among many in India. Women bike racers like Dr Neharika Yadav are now changing all that patriarchal stereotyping with their national and international records as well as inspiring stories.
While she already knew how to ride a bike—a skill she had learned early on—bike racing only sparked an interest when Yadav visited the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida. Once she saw those male riders zipping past her at top speeds, there was no stopping her. But, as a dental surgeon with her own clinic in Gurgaon, Yadav now has two areas of life to which she dedicates her time and talents.
Juggling a full-time profession and a passion that involves risks like crashes and accidents, Yadav says her life is all about being on the go constantly. She also explains that both her profession and her passion help her equally. As she gears up for more accolades and record-breaking performances in the national and international racing circuits, Yadav opened up to us about what drives her, how she pushes past fears (which she says are absolutely normal), and how women are taking over race tracks to show the world we won’t be bound by stereotypes. Watch the full interview to know more about her journey.