The Game Changers

THE REGION’S TOP SPORTSPERSONS REVEAL THE SECRET TO THEIR PHENOMENAL SUCCESS

The region’s top sportspersons reveal the secret to their phenomenal success.

Speed Champion BANI YADAV, 46, Rallyist, Gurgaon/Chandigarh

Who is She? The only woman in India to have won the Asia Cup for The Indian Rally Championship (IRC) in 2015, Bani Yadav, who was recently awarded The Outstanding Woman in Motorsports for Rallying 2016 by The Federation of Motorsports Club of India (FMSCI) has also won the Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya, Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare and Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm in the women's category. Bani entered motorsports only four years ago and despite major spinal problems, which had her bedridden for months, she never let anything deter her from further pursuing her passion.

All in the Genes Remembering her mother and aunts who participated in vintage car rallies in the 60s, when it was rare to spot a woman behind the wheels, Yadav says, “The genes were there, but all credit goes to my husband Suresh Yadav. He has always motivated me to push my boundaries.” The Adrenaline Rush The rallyist says that speed has always fascinated her, not to mention the kick that she gets when people see a woman her age drive well and give men heartburn. All Set For The IRC round in September, the Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare in July and the Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalayas in October. Dodging ChallengesYadav admits that one of the biggest challenges she faces is being a woman in a man’s world. “The discrimination is evident, right from the glares I get from competitors who are upset after losing to me. But it’s the same in every field I guess.”