When Purny Ayman crossed the finish line at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, she wasn't just completing a race — she was making history. As the first Bangladeshi woman to compete in an international motorsport event, Ayman's participation in the UAE Time Attack wasn't just about speed or rankings. It was about representation, perseverance, and breaking barriers in a field where Bangladeshi women have rarely been seen, let alone celebrated.

Competing in the rear-wheel drive unlimited class, Ayman drove a Toyota GT 86 and finished fourth — an impressive feat. There were 35 cars racing 5 different classes, including higher-performance Porsche and BMW cars. Her focus wasn't on outpacing others. It was on proving that women from Bangladesh belong in global motorsports just as much as anyone else.

A lifelong passion for cars

Ayman's interest in cars began long before she had the chance to sit behind a race car's wheel. "Ever since I was a child, cars fascinated me," she said. "My father used to change models frequently, and I was always curious. Over time, it became more than a hobby — it's a lifelong passion that fuels my excitement every single day."

This early curiosity matured into a serious ambition. What was once casual interest turned into late-night research, hands-on practice, and eventually, competitive driving. But growing up in a country with virtually no motorsport infrastructure, especially for women, made her journey far from easy.

Encouragement and early challenges

A key influence on Ayman's racing journey was Avik Anwar, a well-known figure in Bangladesh's automotive scene. "He used to watch me drive and always encouraged me," she recalled. "He'd say things like, 'Your handling is great. You should take this seriously.' That meant a lot to me. It pushed me to think beyond just driving for fun."

With this motivation, Ayman initially planned to train in India. "We were looking into proper training programs abroad. I even bought my first simulator thinking that I'd get to train physically too," she explained. But just as plans began to take shape, COVID-19 disrupted everything. Travel restrictions forced her to stay home and rethink her approach.

Training virtually and racing globally

Rather than give up, Ayman doubled down. In late 2024, she invested in a new simulator and began racing in online competitions organised by the Automobile Association of Bangladesh (AAB). "That phase was crucial. It helped me build reflexes, understand race dynamics, and stay sharp," she said. Her skills began to show as she performed well in virtual races, even winning a few.

Ahead of her UAE debut, Ayman also underwent hands-on training at both the Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina F1 Circuit. "I had a few sessions with a trainer there — it helped me adjust from virtual to real-world racing," she said.

Breaking barriers, inspiring women

For Ayman, this milestone isn't just a personal win. "It's more than just my achievement," she said. "This is about breaking barriers and showing other women that it's possible to pursue what you love — even if it's in a field dominated by men."

She acknowledges that women drivers often face scepticism. "People judge you just for being on the road, let alone on a track," she noted. "But if you let that negativity get to you, nothing will ever happen. If someone has a dream like this, they should go for it — no matter what others say."

When asked about how different places compare in supporting women in motorsports, Ayman shared a nuanced view. "Dubai is very open-minded and inclusive," she said. "But honestly, maybe people there just don't have the same deep passion to pursue it seriously. In Europe, though, it's different — you see many female drivers, and it's much more normalised."

Her long-term goal? To keep racing and help develop a motorsports culture in Bangladesh —especially for women.

Purny Ayman's debut on an international track is more than a headline. It's a moment of change — subtle but significant — for how Bangladeshi women are seen in the world of motorsports. Her success came through preparation, resilience, and belief in her ability. But she's quick to remind us: she doesn't want to be the only one.

"I just hope more women come forward," she concluded, adding, "This is just the beginning."

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