Chennai’s Racing Star Jagathishree Kumaresan Gears Up for International Debut in Thailand
Chennai’s 21-year-old racing sensation, Jagathishree Kumaresan, is riding high after a stunning triple crown win at the Madras International Circuit this weekend. Now, she’s all set to represent India at the FIM Asia Women’s Cup of Circuit Racing (ACCR) in Thailand from September 12 to 14. This marks her exciting international debut at the Thailand Circuit in Nakhonchaisi.
Jagathishree, a three-time National champion, earned her spot through her dominant 2024 season. She impressed everyone by winning both races in the Girls 165cc National Championship and taking the top spot in the tough TVS one-make race during Round 3 of the National Championship 2025. Her selection by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) comes from her double-title triumph in 2024, making her a proud representative for FMSCI India.
Her journey in motorcycle racing started by chance in Chennai. Born on July 3, 2004, Jagathishree spotted bikes speeding on the ECR road and convinced her father to check it out. That sparked her passion, and she soon joined the One Racing team under coach Mohamed Hanif. She trained alongside boys on bigger bikes, proving her grit from the start.
In her debut Rookies Class race in Round 1 of 2020, Jagathishree charged from the back to grab second place on the podium. The next year, in 2021, she became the first girl to podium in the TVS Rookies Championship while racing with the boys, holding strong in the mid-pack. But in 2022, she took a break to focus on her Class 12 exams.
She bounced back strong in 2023, clinching her first National title with a perfect all-win record in the MMSC FMSCI Indian National Drag Racing Championship. Jagathishree defended that title in 2024, adding the MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship to her haul. Despite a serious right ankle injury that needed surgery—she delayed it until after the season—she crashed dramatically in the final round but got back up to finish and seal the win. Later, she grabbed her third National title in the Drag Nationals 2024.
Her coach and mentor, Mohamed Hanif from One Racing Team, shares how he spotted her talent early. "We treated her just like any other rider," he says. "But her potential shone through, so I trusted my gut and put her on a faster track. The results speak for themselves now."
The Bikerz module-backed rider also gets a boost from FIM Asia, which covers her air tickets and travel for the Thailand event. F. Dastur, Chairman of the FMSCI Two-Wheeler Racing Commission, explains the selection: "Jagathishree has raced for four or five years, even competing with boys in other categories. As the reigning double champion, FMSCI picked her to represent India. We wish her the very best!"
An Archaeology graduate from Madras Christian College, Jagathishree balanced her studies with intense racing demands. Now, she’s aiming for a podium finish at the FIM Asia Women’s Cup. Her big dream? To race in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship (WorldWCR). This Thailand debut is her first big step toward that global glory.
