Kalyani Potekar is a 23 year old girl, breaking all stereotypes. Kalyani has been nailing it on the racing tracks breaking all records. She has ridden over a dozen of Indian bikes and Imported bikes. Apart from biking, Kalyani is a National Level Horse Rider. She has been awarded with the Best Rider Award, India. She was the youngest participant (age 20) among 200 boys in Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya, 2013. She was also a participant of MTV “Chase The Monsoon Season 3” and covered more than 3,500 Kms on bike from Jaisalmer to Kathmandu in 24 days.
Kalyani has proved it that girls are nowhere less than boys in any field, be it racing. She has proved that with passion and dedication one can succeed and outperform in any field.
In talks with Kalyani Potekar:
Q1. How and when did you get into riding? What was your first bike?
Interest in riding started first when I saw my father battling it out on a dirt track in a motocross race. My journey started from National MRF Nylogrip Motorcross Championship, December 1993 at Ooty. I was hardly a month old baby in cradle on the track with my dad. My first bike was the Yamaha RX100.
Q2. How did people react when you started riding?
In a country like India, not only riding, but if a women does something what the men do, it’s always surprising. I got good amount of motivation from the people around. I’m glad India is now focusing on giving the same platform to women as men. Special thanks to FMSCI. I wish more and more girls make their way to motorsports. Setting up an example for them is my part of responsibility.
Q3. Any accidents or injuries ever? Tell us about the various bikes that you have ridden so far?
I’ve had small unfortunate crashes when I was into touring. Nothing major though. Fortunately! But as we say, You have to fall in order to rise. That’s how you learn! I’ve ridden most of the Indian bikes such as KTMs, Hondas, Yamahas. Foreign bikes include the Triumph Street Triple, which I own. I’ve also ridden Ducati Diavel and a few more 600s.
Q4. Tell us about your Educational Background.
I did my schooling from The Everest International School, Dewas. Later, I got my degree from Fergusson College. I have done B.Sc in Physics and Photography.
Q5. Having achieved so much at such an early age, What is your next goal?
My goal is setting up an example to all the ladies out there who think riding or racing a bike on a track is only possible for a guy. This is wrong. I Want to make my parents proud. My dream is to race on an international racing track alongside the boys which will help me build up more confidence.
Q6. Where do you seek motivation from? Who inspires you?
My inspiration comes from my father. Lucky to have a father belonging from the same background who knows the art of racing. He has always motivated me. He inspired me to take up riding. It is my father who taught me the skill of riding bikes.
Also read: “Former Miss India & Bollywood Actress, Zoya Afroz Reveals The Mystery Behind Winning The Title At Just 18!”
Q7. Would you like to give any messages to all the bikers around the world and also to the girls who look up to you?
For all bikers out there, always ride safe and stay safe. If you wanna test your ride, hit the track. Road is not the place. Satisfaction which you get on a track is unmatched. For the girls, gear up and get going. There’s a new world waiting out there for you!
Kalyani’s Instagram
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