Despite losing his wrought arm to a tragic incident at a tender age of 11, Sayer Abdullah of Vessu area in South Kashmir was not deterred from pursuing his dream of becoming a professional off-road adventure sports driver.
The “one-handed king” as he likes to call himself, didn’t let this accident stop chasing his childhood passion for off-road adventures and reaching new heights. He’s still going strong as nothing could stop him from chasing his dream of becoming a professional Off-Road adventure sports driver.
“In 2007 when I was in 5th grade, I experienced a life-altering incident. While on a school bus with 27 other students, the bus lost control and overturned. Tragically, one student lost life, and my right arm was severely injured, necessitating amputation to save my life,” Sayer recalled.
Sayer’s determination shone through. Despite losing his arm, he embraced his passion for driving as a challenge. With the help of a friend who owned a Bolero, he learned to drive with one hand. Though challenging at first, he adapted and persevered, showcasing his remarkable resilience.
After Sayer learned to drive with one hand, His determination and hard work paid off when he applied for a driving test and passed it after turning 18. Sayer’s spirit is truly inspiring, as it surpasses any physical challenges that life threw at him.
“I discovered the Kashmir Off Road club and started following their epic 4×4 drives on the mountain trails of Kashmir online. It’s like I found a whole new world of adventure. Seeing the amazing places they visited and the thrill involved in off-road activities sparked even more interest in me,” Sayer said.
Adding, “After witnessing their exciting off-road adventures and exploring unfamiliar places, I became even more intrigued by this extreme sport. I was truly fascinated by the capabilities of a 4×4 car, “he recalled.
I reached out to the founder of the Kashmir Off Road team, Ali Sajid who recognized my passion for the sport and welcomed me into the club,” he said.
Sayer has become an integral part of a reputed Kashmir Off Road club. They organize motorsport drives in the most challenging terrains of the Valley. It’s incredible to see how Sayer’s childhood passion for driving and adventure has led him to this point. He always dreamt of having his own mountain car, and is now living that dream. Sayer’s involvement in the Off Road club is a testament to his dedication and love for the sport.
In just a year and a half, Sayer has conquered challenging terrains like Tosamadian, Bangus Valley, Yousmarg, and Bataksar Doodhpathri.
Sayer Abdullah is making waves in his ‘off-road’ circles in the valley. Despite losing his arm in an accident, Sayer is still in full control of the steering wheel as he conquers the toughest terrains of the mountainous valley.
Sayer’s determination and love for driving led him to connect with like-minded people and be a part of such an exciting community. He’s having the time of his life out there on those mountain trails.
“My family supports me in pursuing my passion. With the guidance of Sajid Ali I am able to chase my dreams and explore the world of off-road adventures,” he said.
“Sayer is able to pursue his passion and now owns a 4×4 Maruti Gypsy. He even gave it a cool name, “Blizzard,” inspired by his nickname “Toofan” (storm) It sounds like the perfect match for his adventurous spirit, which perfectly matches his personality!
Even while pursuing LLM at Nalsar University of Law in Hyderabad, Sayer is determined to compete in national and international off-road events. He’s definitely a force to be reckoned with both on and off the trails.
“It’s not just a hobby for me, it’s something that truly fulfills me and makes me feel whole. And now, I’m all set to take it up a notch by participating in driving competitions at both national and international levels. It’s like pushing my passion to the extreme! I have complete confidence that with my dedication, skills, and determination, I’ll shine in these competitions and establish a reputation for myself in the world of driving,” Sayer shared.
