Himachal News- Richa Singh India's first woman cop to compete at The Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya

Dharamsala, September 25, 2013: The longest-running woman rallyist of the country, Shuchi Thakur of Dharamsala, is not only woman competitor,in  -- Raid-de-Himalaya -- starting from October 4 to 12 from Shimla.

This is Shuchi’s ninth consecutive rally. A number of women car rally enthusiasts have registered  to take part in  one of the toughest motor  rallies of India .  The Maruti-Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya is ranked among the top ten hardest motorsport events of the world, which pass through the points like highest mountain passes in the world including Khardung La and Wari La. And in such tough tarrane ,in nuber of female participation increase ,it becomes the center of attraction.
One of the  organizers said, “ the rally has an all-women army officers’ team comprising Major Samitha of ASC and Captain Madhavi Singh of EME. They would be driving a Maruti Gypsy in the Raid Adventure category having a time-speed-distance format. Beside this Himachal Police cop Richa Singh would also participate in this category.”
Sheetal Bidaye of Mumbai is the first Indian woman biker to compete in the Raid Xtreme category which is an all-out speed category. Amongst the many “firsts” this time, Kalyani Potekar, a 20-year-old student from Fergusson College, Pune, will compete in Raid Xtreme Alpine category. This is the category for amateur bikers, said the organisers.
Shimla Police cop Richa Singh is India's first woman cop to compete at 'The Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya. Richa ( 25) is a skilled driver and has been appreciated by Himachal Police for her professional excellence. Richa was nominated by Himachal Police to be part of The 15th Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya. She will participate in the event with Munish Mehta, a fellow constable.

Currently posted at the Police Headquarters in Shimla, said  "I am very excited about going for the Raid. This is the first time that a team from Himachal Police is going for the Raid De Himalaya, and I am very happy that my department gave me this opportunity.” She joined Himachal Police in 2008.
There are three competitive categories at the 15th Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya. These are Raid Xtreme (4X4 vehicles), Raid Xtreme (Motorcycles and Quads) and Raid Adventure. Raid Xtreme is all about a high speed rush for both four-wheelers and motorcycles. Raid Adventure follows the Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) format.
The only woman who is competing in Raid Xtreme is Shuchi Thakur of Dharamshala Himachal(India). There are a total of about 35 teams in Raid Xtreme. Each team comprises a driver and a navigator. Shuchi will drive a Maruti Gypsy at the Raid. Shuchi is the longest-running woman rallyist of the country. This is her ninth Raid. Shuchi is currently working and living at Mumbai.
The Maruti-Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya that began in 1999 is held annually in October on the highest altitudes and difficult terrains of Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Leh.