Harith Noah Gears Up for His 7th Dakar Rally Adventure
Harith Noah's Dakar Rally Journey
Harith Noah, a prominent rally-raid competitor from India, is preparing for his seventh participation in the Dakar Rally, which is recognized as one of the most challenging motorsport events globally. The 48th edition of the Dakar Rally will take place from January 3 to 17, 2026.
At 32 years old, this rider from Kerala views the Dakar not merely as a race but as a profound test of faith, endurance, and determination. His journey reflects a steadfast belief that an Indian can not only compete but also thrive and motivate others on an international platform. Transitioning from local motocross tracks to the expansive Arabian desert, Noah has established himself among the sport's elite.
Overview of the 2026 Dakar Rally
The rally will kick off with a brief prologue in Yanbu on January 3, which will determine the starting order for the main event. Following this, participants will face two intense weeks of competition, culminating in a return to the Red Sea on January 17. The total distance covered will be nearly 8,000 kilometers, featuring around 4,800 kilometers of high-speed timed sections across diverse terrains, including dunes and rocky landscapes. A single rest day is scheduled for January 10 in Riyadh, allowing competitors to recuperate before the final stretch.
From National Champion to International Competitor
Noah is a five-time Indian National Supercross Champion, with his last national title secured in 2018. He dedicated himself to rally-raid training in 2019 and made his Dakar debut in 2020, coinciding with the rally's relocation to Saudi Arabia. Riding the TVS Sherco RTR 450, he is set to proudly represent India for the seventh time.
In 2025, Noah honed his skills by participating in three world rally-raid championship events, enhancing his fitness, navigation skills, and overall race strategy. His historic victory in the Rally 2 class at Dakar marked a significant achievement, being the first Indian to accomplish this feat, and stands as a pivotal moment in his career and for Indian motorsport.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
The Dakar Rally is notorious for its demanding nature. In 2025, Noah faced a setback when a crash during the prologue forced him to withdraw before the race even began.
Despite this disappointment, he emphasizes the importance of growth over regret: "Mistakes are inevitable. What matters is how you respond to them. It’s mentally challenging to have your Dakar experience cut short due to injury. However, I cannot alter the past. My focus is on giving my best rather than fixating on outcomes. Learning from mistakes and putting in 100 percent is what truly counts," shared the Sports Science graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University.