Women’s Day 2025 Special: Humaira Mushtaq Journey from Kashmir to the Fast Lane of Global Racing - Interview

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Some people hear the call of destiny and follow it relentlessly, leaving the world around them in awe. On this International Women's Day, we can't help but think of the women who aren't just breaking glass ceilings-they're completely shattering them.

Humaira Mushtaq is one such woman, a force in motorsports who dared to race where few women have gone before. From the serene valleys of Jammu and Kashmir to the global racing circuits, Humaira's journey is a true testament to what happens when passion, persistence, and courage collide.

She's not just an international racing driver from India but also the first professional racer from Jammu and Kashmir; she's also the first South Asian woman to compete in the British Endurance Racing Championship (BEC). Now that's a power move! In a world that often discourages women from entering male-dominated arenas, Humaira has put the pedal to the metal-driving her dreams straight into a future where anything is possible.

Racing Against the Odds: Overcoming Challenges and Breaking Stereotypes

When you're raised in a place where tradition runs deep and societal expectations often dictate who you can become, breaking out of that mold is nothing short of extraordinary. Humaira Mushtaq's family, especially her father, played a pivotal role in helping her navigate the obstacles that come with being a woman in motorsports. "Yes, it's true I come from a very conservative muslim family, but I didn't let that affect me in any way," Humaira shared with Mykhel.

"Both my parents were quite progressive and extremely liberal too, and very supportive with the choice of my career. In fact, it was dad who helped me in the initial year of my career at the age of 4, when I started with go-karts and later advanced into the world of professional racing."

With her father's encouragement, Humaira's dream of becoming a professional racer took flight.

From Dentistry to the Driver's Seat: Passion Over Profession

On International Women's Day, we celebrate women who follow their true calling, no matter where it leads them. Humaira's story resonates with so many of us who struggle to follow our dreams in the face of practicality. "I chose medical as my subject in 11th and 12th because I was really good in science," she explained, adding:

"I always believe in living black or white I don't know the colour gray...Both my parents are medical doctors and I know it's a very demanding profession, but cannot see myself as a doctor doing a desk job, my heart always belonged at the racetracks.

She could have easily walked the well-trodden path of a medical career, considering both of her parents are doctors. But for Humaira, a desk job was never going to cut it. "I'm an adrenaline-driven person," she said.

"Motorsport is my thing, I love race tracks; the sound of noisy engines are music to my ears, I love the scent of rubber."

That's what makes her story so powerful -- Humaira chose to step off the path that society had planned for her, to take a road less traveled.

Lessons of Courage and Persistence: What Women Can Learn from Humaira

Humaira's journey is not only one of speed and skill but also one of resilience and breaking the status quo. When MyKhel asked her about the most powerful lesson her parents taught her, she shared her father's final words with me: "My dad always said, never let your gender, caste, origin, or even your nationality be a deciding factor in how far you will go or get in your life."

It was this unshakable belief in her potential that has carried her to the top of the motorsports world.

For Humaira, the key to success lies in acknowledging and acting on the drive that lies within all of us. "Once you get driven by the drive that\'s within you, you practically become unstoppable," she said.

Racing into the Future: What's Next for Humaira?

As Humaira continues to break barriers and leave her mark on the global racing scene, the future looks incredibly bright. Her ambitions are clear: "I would want to successfully represent India globally. I'm looking forward to representing India in GT championships across Europe and the Middle East," she shared with excitement.

Advice for the Dreamers: Humaira's Words for the Next Generation

For all the young girls out there dreaming of careers in fields traditionally dominated by men, Humaira has the best advice: "You have the power to create your own reality; all it takes is the determination and willingness to do so. So get back up. Dare to dream the impossible, and believe in your dreams and not just believe; work for them hard, very hard."

Humaira Mushtaq's story is more than just an inspiring tale of racing-it's a testament to every woman who's ever been told she couldn't do something because of her gender. She shows us that we can defy the odds, break barriers, and speed toward a future we design for ourselves.

On this Women's Day, let's celebrate not just Humaira but all women who refuse to be put in a box, who push boundaries, and who never stop racing toward their dreams.