Ritika Oberoi on donning many hats and taking the path less travelled

Meet Dr Ritika Oberoi, yet another woman who has ventured into a field that is predominantly dominated by men. She won a special award for being the only woman contestant at the Xtreme 4Play off-roading competition.

She participated in the 4X4 SUV category of'JK Tyre Xtreme 4Play 2017. Ritika, in her mid-20s, isn’t only into off-roading, an extreme and adventurous sport, but is also a dentist and entrepreneur. Taking part in this particular sport means she has to negotiate rough terrains like rivers and challenging deserts. According to IANS, she said,

"It is interesting to be in a male-dominated sport. You can actually stand beside men and prove that women are no less. It is such a gutsy thing.”

Ritika, who is originally from Maharashtra, now lives in Gurugram. She has been off-roading for close to five years now. Her passion for off-roading comes from her love for driving and rallying. She was also influenced by a friend who is passionate about off-roading and unlike others of his sex, doesn't believe it's a man's world.

The off-roading competition she took part in was conducted in Chandigarh in February. The three-day, seven-stage competition was set in a 1,800-acre forest reserve in Ropar District, according to motorsport.com.

Her involvement with sports doesn't just stop there. She is also an ardent volleyball and basketball player. However, breaking the barriers at home is not easy for everyone. Talking about the support system at home, she told IANS,

"My father too has been very encouraging, asking me to live life as I want. My mother is, however, scared for me. But you should not be simply sitting at home."

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