Women's Day 2025: Indian Women Accelerating Change in Motorsport

Indian women are making remarkable strides in motorsport, breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks. From rally racing to endurance championships, these trailblazers continue to redefine the sport. On International Women’s Day, we celebrate some of the most inspiring women who are pushing the limits and making history on the track. 

Diana Pundole: A National Champion 

Diana Pundole, from Pune, Maharashtra, created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a national car racing championship. In August 2024, she clinched the title in the MRF MMSC FMSCI Indian National Car Racing Championship's saloon cars category at the Madras International Circuit. Pundole’s journey began in 2018, and within six years, she reached the pinnacle of national motorsport, demonstrating resilience, skill, and determination. 

Aishwarya Pissay: India’s First Motorsport World Champion 

Bangalore-born Aishwarya Pissay became the first Indian to win a motorsport world title by securing victory in the women's category of the FIM Bajas World Cup. She also finished second in the junior category. A dominant force in Indian motorsport, Pissay has claimed seven FMSCI National titles across circuit racing and off-road disciplines, including six consecutive Indian National Rally Championship titles since 2017.

Dr. Bani Yadav: A Force in Rallying 

One of India’s most accomplished female rally drivers, Dr. Bani Yadav, made a name for herself despite entering competitive racing at the age of 43. She became the fastest woman driver in the 2015 Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and has since won multiple national titles, including back-to-back National Autocross Championships in 2018 and 2019. Yadav also holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to drive Formula 4 cars internationally at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Alisha Abdullah: A Pioneer in Indian Racing 

Hailing from Chennai, Alisha Abdullah is celebrated as India’s first female racing driver. Starting her career in karting at just nine years old, she later transitioned to motorcycle and car racing. Abdullah made history in 2024 by becoming the first Indian woman to secure a podium finish in the Toyota Vios Cup, highlighting her adaptability across multiple racing formats.

Rising Stars in Indian Motorsport

- Humaira Mushtaq made history as the first Indian female car racer to compete in the British Endurance Championship (BEC), marking a significant step for Indian women in international endurance racing.

- Anushriya Gulati gained global recognition by winning the RAAT Thailand Rally Championship 2024 (women's) title, setting a new benchmark for Indian women in rally racing.

These women are not just competing—they are inspiring the next generation and proving that motorsport is not limited by gender. As India’s presence in global racing continues to grow, these athletes stand as role models, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future champions.