Search for Hari Singh has officially ended
Search for Hari Singh has officially ended, Indian motorsport has been left in shock following the disappearance of rally legend Hari Singh, who is feared dead after a speedboat accident in the Maldives. The 59-year-old rallyist has been missing for more than 72 hours after the boat, carrying seven people, overturned on 20 March in Maldives.
Among those on board was industrialist Gautam Singhania, who was rescued and later returned to Mumbai. However, Singh and the boat's captain remain unaccounted for. According to reports citing local authorities, both men are believed to be trapped within a coral reef formation beneath the sea, although search operations are ongoing.
For decades, Singh stood as one of the most influential figures in Indian rallying. A native of Chandigarh, he built a formidable reputation during the 1990s, dominating the Indian National Rally Championship with five championship titles. His aggressive yet precise driving style made him a fan favourite and earned him a place among the most respected competitors in the sport. He has also been a part of multiple projects with OVERDRIVE, he was a part of the Live life in OVERDRIVE trip to the Himalayas in the finest Mercedes-Benz SUVs back in 2014. In 2015, he was one of the esteemed jury members for the OVERDRIVE awards. And the same year, he was a part of the winter drive to Gulmarg in Kashmir.
Singh also left his mark internationally. He won the inaugural Asia Zone Rally Championship and represented India at multiple global rally events, helping raise the country's profile in the discipline during an era when international exposure for Indian drivers was limited.
Nicknamed the "Flying Sikh" and the "Gypsy King," Singh became synonymous with the rugged Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, mastering the vehicle across punishing rally stages and rough terrain. His exploits behind the wheel helped cement the Gypsy's reputation as one of the most capable rally machines in the country.
Beyond competition, Singh played a key role in nurturing Indian motorsport. He served as Head of Operations at JK Tyre Motorsport, contributing to talent development and event organisation. He also worked with Mercedes-Benz India as a chief instructor, sharing his expertise with aspiring drivers.
In recognition of his immense contribution to the sport, Singh received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Force Gurkha RFC India 2015 held in Goa.
Should the worst be confirmed, Hari Singh's passing would mark the loss of a pioneer who helped shape the foundations of rallying in India and inspired generations of drivers who followed his path.