Sayer Abdullah, who hails from Vessu, Anantnag, was only 11 when he lost his right arm in an accident. But the unfortunate episode did not deter the young boy to pursue his passion for becoming a professional in Off-Road Mountain driving.
Sayer, now 23, is today an integral part of a reputed Kashmir Off Road club, which conducts motorsport drives in the most difficult terrains in the Valley.
“Since childhood, I was passionate about driving and adventure. I always dreamt of having my own mountain car,” he said.
Sayer was in 5th class when he met with an incident. Recalling that dreadful day, Sayer said he was in a school bus when it lost control and turned turtle.
“It was 2007. Just like any other day, I boarded my school bus at my pick up point. But as soon the bus started descending, the driver lost control of the bus. It was a brake-failure,” Sayer recalled.
There were 27 students in the bus. One among them lost his life, while Sayer’s right arm needed amputation to save his life.
“I was taken to Srinagar hospital but by the time I reached I had lost a lot of blood. So doctors said that the arm needs to be amputated to save my life,” he said.
After the accident, Sayer said he took his passion more as a challenge and learned to drive the car with one hand.
“My friend had a Bolero. It is he who taught me driving. Initially, it was not easy, but slowly I adapted,” he said.Sayer said after learning the skill of driving with one hand, he got to know about Kashmir Off Road club and started following their extreme 4×4 drives on mountain trails of Kashmir online.
“Seeing the unknown places they visited and their off-road adventure activities developed more interest in me towards this extreme sport. I was fascinated by the capabilities of a 4×4 car,” he said.
Sayer said he contacted the founder of the Kashmir Off Road team, Ali Sajid, who after seeing his passion for the sport, took him in his club.“Sajid bhai saw my motivation and took me in. Ever since he has been my guide,” Sayer said.In the past-one-and a half-year, Sayer has driven to many difficult terrains that include Tosamadian, Bangus Valley, Yousmarg, Bataksar Doodhpathri.
“Off-road motor-sport gives me an adrenaline rush every time. My whole family supports me in this endeavour. With Sajid bhai’s constant guidance and counselling, I am able to take this passion forward,” he said.
Sayer owns a 4×4 Maruti Gypsy which he has named “Blizzard”.
“My friends called me Toofan (storm) and before every storm, there is a blizzard, so my friends suggested I call it Blizzard which suits my personality,” he said.Currently, pursuing LLM from Nalsar University of Law in Hyderabad, Sayer apart from being a lawyer wants to compete in national and international off-road driving events.“Driving has become a part of my life now. I feel it completes me. I want to take my passion to its extreme level by taking part in national and international driving competitions,” he said.
