Cheers greet standing salute stunt by first woman biker at Republic Day

Gripping acrobatics on motorbikes by the daredevils of the Army's Corps of Signals, wherein a woman performed bike stunts for the first time, drew loud applause at the 70th Republic Day celebrations.

Capt Shikha Surabhi from the Corps of Signals became the first woman to perform bike stunts, alongside her male teammates as part of daredevils, a major attraction every Republic Day.

While Captain Surabhi presented a standing salute atop her moving bike, her male teammates performed multiple gravity-defying stunts.

The amazing formations on wheels included Video Conference, Yoga, Lotus, and a Human Pyramid.

Ecstatic viewers at the Rajpath clapped vigorously as Captain Manpreet Singh presented a salute to President Ram Nath Kovind, parched on a 12.5-feet ladder placed on the seat of his bike.

Captain Singh broke his earlier record of offering salute from an eight-feet ladder.

He was followed by Lance Naik Gajanan Misal displaying 'Jimmy', a symbol of the Corps of Signals, balancing himself belly down on his moving motorcycle, displaying the 'swift and secure' traits of the corps.

Rolling down on the Rajpath, Yoga on wheels was displayed by Havaldar Gamit Paresh doing Dhanushasana, Havaldar Sangram Kesri Jena performed Surya Namaskar and Lance Naik Swapnil a striking Tudraasana pose on their respective motorcycles.

The team has also made the world record of 60 Yoga positions on a single motorcycle.

A team of four men of the Signal of Corps showcased courage and strength by performing a PT display led by signalman Sunshine Pawar Mangu.

Signal Colours were carried in 'Signal Fighter' formation. Havaldar Eswa Rao T on centre motorcycle was flanked by 14 daredevils on their motorcycles.

The Signals' flag entered in 'Mercury Peak' formation by 14 daredevils, symbolising pride and valour of the corps on Rajpath.

Captain Dishant Kataria performed a standing salute to the President on his bike.

An interesting formation of 'Video Conference' with four men each on two bikes was greeted loudly by the crowd.

The people were riveted as motorcycles and men rolled down the Rajpath displaying a wonderful combination of men and machine through awe-inspiring formations of 'Teevra Chaukas Commando' and 'Lotus'.

Pushing the limits of men machine coordination and endurance, 33 Signals daredevils culminated the gripping show by forming a human pyramid on nine motorcycles, led by Subedar Major Ramesh A.

Capt Surabhi said men and women can both challenge their limits.

"I am the first woman to be part of daredevils segment of the parade. It took a lot of practice to perfect the stunts. But I am proud of this accomplishment. Women can do anything," said the 28-year-old officer who hails from Jharkhand's Hazaribagh.