Rohit Giri gears up for the Asian Grand Prix

A major knee injury has hardly been a hurdle for Rohit Giri, this year's runner-up at the National Road Racing Championship. After a two-year gap in his already short racing career, Rohit is more determined than ever to make a mark for himself. "I had an injury, so I could not ride. But that did not stop me from getting on my bike after I knew I would be alright," says Rohit. "During those two years, I felt like there was something missing in my life," he adds.
Rohit started his career in a stunts group named Frenzy Kiderz and featured in Dhoom as a stuntman. "But that didn't get me anywhere. I could not have grown in that profession," says the young racer. After trying his hand at different types of racing like motocross racing, road racing and circuit racing, Rohit is now into road racing.
"It is much safer as you are fully protected with a vest and an ankle guard," explains Rohit. "But to participate in the national championship, you need a lot of stamina. I also have to maintain a specific weight," says Rohit, who runs 24 kms a day.
However, the profession, says Rohit, needs a boost, not just at the state level but also at the national level. "The sports minister said that racing is not a sport, it is just entertainment. It hurts when somebody like him says this," says Rohit, adding, "There are a lot of potential and talented riders, but there is nobody to encourage us."
With his injury, Rohit might have a tough time achieving his dream of winning the Asian Grand Prix. But he is quick to say, "This is the time for me. There are a lot of risks involved in racing. But these are the years when you can excel in this sport. I am not going to give up now."