Meet the first Indian to participate at Scooter Riding Championships

Sports, in general, is considered no less than a triumph of the human spirit. While any sport for that matter involves strength, patience, and passion, it is heartening to hear of those who overcome odds to emerge champions in a sport that they have chosen to pursue. However, the life story of Bhopal-based Syed Asif seems no different, his humbling achievements showcase that he is not just a winner in sports but in life. Syed has now scripted history by becoming the first Indian to participate at the Scooter Riding Championships held in Italy on October 19.

What’s impressive is that a biking accident in 1996 couldn’t deter his spirits, despite having a rod inserted in his left hand. Having lost in the National Riding India tournament in 2000, Syed continued to persevere. He challenged stereotypes through his performances that regularly redefine the boundaries of possibility by proving what can be achieved when testing one’s body to its absolute limits.

As many as 36 participants from 10 different countries are scheduled to participate at the Scooter Riding Championships, Syed is the only Indian to represent the country. Syed told ANI:

I started riding on a bicycle and was fond of riding fast since childhood. In 1996, my father got me a bike and I took part in the competition and came first. So far, I have won more than 200 awards across the country, including seven national tournaments.

However, Syed met with another accident that broke his leg as a result of which he was on bed rest for almost a year. “After the accident, my father sold the bike so that I stop riding. But the obsession for riding did not stop me and I continued to ride. But I participated in the state-level competition and came first,” reminisced Syed.

Suffice to say that India’s popularity with sports is only limited to cricket, football, or sometimes hockey, but athletes like Syed are leaving no stones unturned to keep the Indian flag flying high by making a mark in sports. He, however, expressed his disappointment over the lack of encouragement from the government’s end in the field of riding. “The total expense for Italy is Rs 4 lakh. When I went to the sports department, they only gave me Rs 50,000. The government should also support the youth who are interested in this sport, who have a passion for riding,” he said.