Bani is the fastest woman rally driver in India who have won many championships in several rallies held all across the country. She is the National Autocross Champion in Woman Category for 2 years in a row (2018 & 2019). In 2016, she got the third position over 1650cc category in the Maruti Suzuki National Autocross championship competing against men.
The most interesting fact about Bani is that she started rallying in her 40’s. Her father was the biggest inspiration who was fond of cars. He used to take her for long rides when she was a child. However, he objected when she wanted to become a racer at that time as there was no proper infrastructure for racing especially for girls.
Bani got married at very young age with her childhood friend, Suresh Yadav. At that time, they were financially insecure and lived in a rented house. Then, she gave birth to two sons. Her main focus at that time was to raise the children properly. She had no time for racing during that period. However, when the kids grown up and her family become financially secure, then her husband pushed her to pursue her dream. She said that her husband is her biggest supporter who supports her in every situation.
Despite starting late, she has achieved many things in a man dominating sport. She is the first woman to get 2nd position in Rally De North part of Indian Rally Championship in 2016. Moreover, she became the first Indian woman to win the Asia Cup in 2015. Bani has also received many awards including Top Woman Achiever Award. She also acted as speaker in many national and international events including the HeForShe campaign by the UN.
Bani is the only woman to win almost all major rallies across the country. She is also working with many NGO’s for the upliftment of the women. Her involvement in the NGOs fighting for cruelty against animals proves that she is very conscious about nature. Bani also encourages women to learn driving for promoting the motorsports in the country. She provides free training to rape survivors, acid attack survivor and wheel chair bound people.
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