Prepare for a groundbreaking adventure as the 'Indian Women's Team - Desi Wander Women' is gearing up to embark on an extraordinary expedition across the European continent. Originating from Mumbai's Churchgate, this team of Indian-born rally enthusiasts will commence their extraordinary journey on May 21 at 9 am, marking the start of the renowned Mongol Rally 2023, widely acclaimed as one of the most exhilarating motoring adventures worldwide.
The Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) is all set to kick off their rally with a breakfast and ceremony at their office located in IMC Marg, Churchgate. The flag-off event is scheduled to start at 9:45 am, where the escorted team will drive from the WIAA office to the Air India building, then proceed to Babulnath temple, make their way around Oval Maidan, and return back to the starting point. The Tata Punch car is set to be dispatched from Nhava Sheva Port, embarking on a journey to London.
Three friends, namely Manisha Mishra, Vice President of Tata 1mg, Anubha Verma, an editorial consultant at Deloitte, and Pooja Sharma, an entrepreneur, have come together as a team to take on the Mongol Rally 2023 challenge. They will be driving a Tata Punch car which will be shipped from Nhava Sheva port to London where the actual rally will commence.
The Mongol Rally, an annual charity event and adventure rally, presents participants with a remarkable opportunity to embark on an epic journey from Europe to Mongolia. In contrast to conventional races, the rally emphasises a unique and challenging travel experience rather than a race against time or fellow competitors.
Manisha Mishra told FPJ on Saturday, "We submitted our application for the Mongol Rally 2023 a year and a half ago. I am eagerly anticipating this thrilling adventure." She added, "The rally is dedicated to raising awareness for cancer care, elderly care, and promoting neurodiversity inclusion."
Teams from various countries will cover approximately 16,000 to 20,000 kilometres. In this challenge, participants must navigate the distance from the UK to Mongolia in a 1200 cc (ideally under 1000 cc) car by themselves.
The two-month rally commences in Devon, UK, and embarks on a transcontinental adventure through central Asia, traversing Europe along the way, to reach the final destination of Ulan-Ude in Siberia. Participants will encounter chaotic conditions in diverse countries, navigate through deserts and mountains, and encounter various challenging road surfaces.
Ranjit Kaur Virk, Deputy Secretary General of WIAA, stated, "This rally aims to empower women and encourage them to participate in motorsports."
What is Mongol Rally?
The Mongol Rally is an annual charity event and adventure rally that takes participants on an epic journey from Europe to Mongolia. It is not a race but rather a unique and challenging travel experience.
Teams participating in the Mongol Rally have to cover 16,000 to 20,000 kms (almost half the earth’s circumference) from the UK to Mongolia in a 1200 cc or below car by themselves all while also supporting a cause and fundraising for impact.
The rally kicks off in Devon, UK, and travels through central Asia (via Europe) and to the finish line in Ulan-Ude, Siberia. This long journey comprises chaos in multiple countries and terrains, including deserts, mountains, and various challenging road conditions.
There’s no backup. The exact route is not predetermined, and participants have the freedom to choose their own path, allowing for a sense of exploration and adventure.
Unlike most rallies, success isn’t measured in position or time – it’s just a matter of getting to the finish line. Needless to say, many vehicles don’t quite make it but that’s all part of the fun.
