Hero MotoSports marks 10 years, launches India's next Dakar Hero Programme

Jaipur: Hero MotoCorp marked the 10th anniversary of its MotoSports Team Rally here on Monday celebrating a decade of achievements that have placed India firmly on the global rallyraid map while unveiling a roadmap for the future through the launch of the India's Next Dakar Hero programme.

The milestone event at the company's Centre for Innovation and Technology brought together the team's international stars including 2024 FIM World RallyRaid Championship winner Ross Branch, Nacho Cornejo and Michael Docherty alongside emerging Indian rider Shlok Ghorpade and pioneering woman biker Somyya Moksha Chaudhary.

As part of the celebrations Hero MotoCorp announced a five year extension of its partnership with Amaury Sport Organization ASO the organisers of the Dakar Rally and the FIM World RallyRaid Championship.


The company also launched the India's Next Dakar Hero INDH initiative a first of its kind talent development platform aimed at identifying nurturing and preparing the next generation of Indian rallyraid riders for international competition including the Dakar Rally.

Marking the occasion Executive Chairman Pawan Munjal said the programme reflects Hero's commitment to creating a sustainable pathway for Indian motorsport talent and inspiring young riders to dream bigger on the world stage.

In another key announcement Hero MotoSports inducted 18-year-old off-road racer Shlok Ghorpade into the team underlining its focus on building future champions.

The event also featured a showcase of the team's Dakar machines and an off-road riding demonstration by its riders offering guests a glimpse of the endurance skill and determination that have defined Hero MotoSports over the past decade.

Hosted at its state-of-the-art research and development facility in Jaipur the celebration was attended by team leaders partners dealers and members of the motorsport fraternity while highlighting India's growing presence in rallying.