From Pune to the Prancing Horse: Diana Pundole Shatters Ceilings as Ferrari's First Indian Woman Racer

History isn't just made; it's driven. The words "Ferrari" and "international racing" evoke a century-long legacy of speed, prestige, and, historically, an arena almost exclusively for men. This November, that narrative gets a powerful new chapter. 32-year-old Diana Pundole from Pune is firmly in the driver's seat, blazing a trail at over 250 km/h as she becomes the first Indian woman in history to race for Ferrari in a global championship.

This is a milestone moment for Indian motorsport, a breakthrough that transcends the track.

Diana is set to compete in the prestigious Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East, a key part of the "Passione Ferrari" program. This isn't just any race; it's an exclusive, factory-supported, single-make championship for Ferrari owners to test their skills. The series, running from November 2025 to April 2026, is a high-octane gauntlet held on the exact tarmac used by Formula One legends. Competing on world-class circuits in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia demands a level of precision and courage that few outside the professional racing world ever experience. The first round kicks off this weekend, November 8-9, at the legendary Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

The Car and the Challenge

At her command will be the formidable Ferrari 296 Challenge, a machine engineered for one purpose: dominance. This is the ninth model in the history of the Ferrari Challenge and marks a radical shift. It's the first-ever six-cylinder car in the series, but this is no ordinary V6. Following the lead of the 296 GT3, Ferrari's engineers removed the road car's hybrid system, shedding weight and boosting the twin-turbo engine to a staggering 700 cv (690 hp). With record-breaking power output and advanced aerodynamics, it's a thoroughbred racing car that is brutally fast and demands immense physical and mental focus to master.

Competing on this global stage is the culmination of a journey marked by relentless grit. It means withstanding intense G-forces, maintaining millimeter-perfect focus for laps on end, and proving oneself in a high-stakes, high-pressure environment. For Diana, this achievement is both a personal dream and a powerful public statement. "It's an incredible honour to represent India and race in a Ferrari on the world stage—it's a dream come true," she has shared. "Being the first Indian woman is a proud moment not just for me, but for women in Indian motorsport. I hope my journey inspires more women to follow their passion fearlessly."

A Trailblazing Journey

While her entry into the Ferrari Challenge is making headlines now, Diana's path to this moment has been built over years of hard-fought battles. Her serious racing career was ignited in 2018 by a nationwide talent hunt for the JK Tyre Women in Motorsport programme, an initiative designed to find and nurture female racers. Diana, who had no traditional racing background, stood out. She wasn't just happy to participate; she was there to win.

She quickly proved her mettle, securing consistent podium finishes in national racing championships. But the true breakthrough, the moment that silenced skeptics and announced her arrival, came in 2024. Diana made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a national racing title, clinching the MRF Saloon Cars Championship at the Madras International Circuit. This victory, secured against a field of the nation's top (and predominantly male) drivers, cemented her reputation as one of India's most formidable racing talents. This championship win wasn't just a personal triumph; it was a cultural one. In a sport where she had faced skepticism, she had now proven, unequivocally, that talent has no gender.

What makes Diana's story even more inspiring is her life off the track. As a 32-year-old and a mother of two, she shatters the one-dimensional stereotype of a professional racer, proving that passion and determination can override any preconceived notion.

Her journey is also a deeply poignant tribute to her late father, whom she credits with igniting her love for motorsport. Her father, Darius, was an avid Formula One fan, and many of her earliest memories are of watching races with him. It was a passion shared by her mother, Jasmine, herself an ace driver who taught Diana to drive. When her father passed away in 2017, it was a profound loss, but his passion for motorsport became her driving force. "My motivation comes from my late father's love for racing and my own desire to prove that women can excel in this sport," she has shared.

The support from sponsors like Aligned Automation and Ferrari New Delhi is significant, signaling a crucial shift where corporate India is recognizing and backing female champions in high-performance sports.

This weekend, as the V6 engine of her 296 Challenge roars to life on the grid at Yas Marina, Diana Pundole will be carrying more than just her own ambitions. She carries the legacy of her father, the pride of her nation, and the hopes of a new generation of young Indian girls who will watch her and, for the first time, see a path to the impossible.

Diana isn't just driving a Ferrari—she's driving a new era for Indian motorsport.

Khurshid Mistry: Riding the Waves and Conquering Challenges

At 60, Khurshid Mistry stands as a living example of perseverance, adaptability, and triumph over challenges. Known for her stellar achievements in marathon running and sprinting, she has now ventured into the realm of competitive swimming, proving that age is no barrier to setting new goals and achieving greatness. Her story is one of grit and determination, inspiring individuals across generations to pursue their passions fearlessly and to constantly evolve.

Making a Splash in Competitive Swimming

Khurshid Mistry’s foray into swimming has been nothing short of extraordinary. While many athletes struggle to transition between sports, Khurshid has done it with poise and excellence. In October 2024, she participated in the National Masters Swimming Championship, organized by the Nashik District Aquatic Association. Competing in her age category, she won an impressive three gold medals. These victories showcased not only her natural athleticism but also her ability to master new disciplines with limited prior experience.

Her success in swimming didn’t stop there. Just two months later, in December 2024, she competed in the Maharashtra State Masters Games Championship in Nasik. Despite the chilly winter and the daunting challenge of swimming in ice-cold water, Khurshid triumphed again, winning three more gold medals. This time, she conquered the 50-meter freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke events in her age group. Reflecting on her journey, Khurshid shared, “The most challenging part of this competition was swimming in ice-cold water. I am so happy that in place of running, which I am presently unable to do due to my knee injury, I am doing swimming so well in such a short span of time.”

The fact that this was only her second swimming competition makes these achievements all the more remarkable. Her story highlights her indomitable spirit and her readiness to embrace new challenges, no matter how daunting they may seem.

A Champion in Every Arena

Khurshid Mistry’s journey as an athlete began at the age of 44—a time when most people believe they have missed the opportunity to pursue competitive sports. Yet, Khurshid defied expectations. Her passion and commitment led her to dominate the world of athletics, particularly in marathon running and sprinting. Over the years, she has amassed an enviable collection of accolades. She has participated in and won numerous events at state, national, and even international levels.

A retired senior vice president from UTI Mutual Fund, Khurshid seamlessly transitioned from a successful corporate career to becoming a celebrated athlete. In marathon running, she has a Guinness World Record to her name, and she was recognized as the Best Female Athlete at the National Corporate Championships in 2015. Her impressive track record includes victories in 38 half marathons and 25 10-kilometer races, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with.

Not only has she excelled in running, but Khurshid has also represented India internationally, participating in the Asian Masters Athletics Championship in Malaysia and the World Masters Games in New Zealand. Her accomplishments in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events have inspired countless women and men to push the boundaries of their potential.

Overcoming Setbacks with Grace

Every athlete faces setbacks, and Khurshid Mistry is no exception. A recent knee injury forced her to pause her running career—a moment that would discourage most. But not Khurshid. Instead of dwelling on what she couldn’t do, she focused on what she could achieve. Swimming became her new passion, and she dedicated herself to excelling in the sport.

Her transition to swimming is a testament to her resilience and determination. In a short period, she has achieved what many seasoned swimmers aspire to accomplish. Her ability to adapt and thrive under challenging circumstances reflects her inner strength and relentless drive to succeed.

An Inspiration to All

Khurshid Mistry’s story is more than just a series of athletic accomplishments—it is a lesson in living life to the fullest, no matter the obstacles. Her journey is a shining example of how it is never too late to start something new, to learn, and to excel. She has proven that with passion, dedication, and a positive attitude, one can continue to set and achieve goals at any stage of life.

Her victories in both running and swimming showcase her versatility and commitment to pushing her own limits. Whether it’s breaking records on the track or making waves in the pool, Khurshid has demonstrated that true champions are those who never stop striving for greatness.

Her achievements serve as a source of motivation for everyone—from young athletes just starting their journey to older individuals who may feel hesitant about pursuing their dreams. Khurshid’s life reminds us that challenges are simply opportunities to grow, adapt, and conquer.

Looking Ahead

As Khurshid Mistry continues to explore new avenues and excel in her athletic pursuits, her story inspires hope and courage in all who hear it. From running marathons and sprints to diving into swimming with confidence, she has shown that the human spirit is boundless. We can’t wait to see what this incredible athlete will accomplish next as she continues riding the waves—both literally and metaphorically.

Here’s to Khurshid Mistry, a true trailblazer and an inspiration to us all!