Nikita Takle Khadsare From Pune Wins Malaysia Championship Rally

Pune, 28th December 2024: Nikita Takle Khadsare, a young rally driver from Pune, has made history by winning the prestigious Malaysia Championship Rally held in Malacca. She became the first Indian woman to win an international rally title, a remarkable achievement for Indian motorsport.

Nikita, who was representing India at the rally, competed alongside over 22 drivers from countries including India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China. Her co-driver, Musa Sharif, with whom she has participated in over 350 rallies, played an instrumental role in this victory.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Nikita, who has won several national awards in the past. The championship rally, which included four stages, saw Nikita overcoming a series of challenges, including technical issues with her vehicle during the first stage. Despite the setback, she managed to repair the car and complete the rally, ultimately winning the trophy by scoring the highest points in nine stages.

The rally, known as MIRC Rally was held under extreme conditions, with heavy rain and sweltering heat causing many competitors to struggle with heatstroke. Nikita, participating in her first international rally, showed exceptional resilience and determination in these harsh conditions. Her success in the rally is especially notable as the Malaysia Championship Rally is considered one of the toughest international events, and participants here are seen as capable of excelling in rallies worldwide.

While navigating through the palm tree-lined tracks, Nikita maintained a cautious approach, supported by her co-driver, Musa Sharif. Together, they made India proud by raising the national flag in this prestigious international competition.

Nikita now joins the ranks of Indian rally legends such as Sanjay Takle, Gaurav Gill, Arjun Rao, and Karan Kadur, who have represented India at the international level. She credits her family, especially her father Nitin Takle, an entrepreneur, and her mother Rajshree, for their invaluable support throughout her journey.

Looking ahead, Nikita expressed her ambition to win the World Rally Championship (WRC) on the international stage, further solidifying her position as a rising star in the world of motorsport.