Hero MotoCorp has marked the 10th anniversary of the Hero MotoSports Team Rally by announcing a five-year extension of its partnership with Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), promoter of the Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, while also launching a new rider development program called ‘India’s Next Dakar Hero’ (INDH).The company also confirmed the induction of 18-year-old Indian rider Shlok Ghorpade into the Hero MotoSports Team Rally lineup. The announcements were made at an anniversary event held at Hero MotoCorp’s Center for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur. The INDH program aims to identify and develop Indian racing talent at international competitions. Selected riders will undergo a rigorous training program lasting two to three years, covering mobility, riding skills, endurance, fitness and competition preparation. The aim is to pave the way for Indian riders to progress from domestic competition to events such as the Dakar Rally and the World Rally-Raid Championship.Hero MotoSports said the program is based on the experience gained over a decade of participation in the world championship. The company had already done this in September 2025, when Indian rider Arun Thayappa started the attack at the Cierzo Rally in Spain after riding the Hero 450 Rally show.As part of its talent development efforts, Hero MotoSports has signed Shlok Ghorpade from Satara, Maharashtra. The youngster has won several top class titles and emerged as the best Indian rider in the Indian Supercross League. He has already started training together with World Rally-Raid champion Ross Nthambi and other industry riders, with a training program in Morocco that is preparing for his participation in the Dakar.
The event was attended by several members of the international team of riders, including Ross Nthambi, Nacho Cornejo and Michael Docherty, as well as Indian rider Shlok Ghorpade and professional cyclist Somyya “Moksha” Chaudhary. Team Leader Wolfgang Fischer, National MotoSports Director Jordi Grau, dealers, staff and members of the motorsport community were also present.Launched in 2016, the Hero MotoSports Team Rally was established to compete in international rallies while serving as a platform for technical advancement under extreme conditions. Since then, the team has participated in the Dakar Rally and the World Rally-Raid Championship, achieving several podium finishes and championship wins. One of the team’s biggest achievements came in 2024 when Ross Nthambi won the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship title. Hero MotoCorp said the latest announcements are aimed at strengthening its long-term presence in international competitions while creating opportunities for Indian riders to compete at the highest level of the sport.Speaking on the occasion, Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said: “Over the last ten years, the Hero MotoSports Team Rally has evolved from an ambition to become a globally respected team, representing India globally.The renewal of our partnership with ASO reinforces our long-term commitment to international competition. Furthermore, India’s Next Dakar Hero program reflects our deep belief that India has a huge untapped sporting talent waiting to be discovered and nurtured. By welcoming Shlok Ghorpade to the team, we aim to create a sustainable pathway for our Indian riders to compete and excel in the sport. Together, these represent the next chapter in our journey to create a lasting legacy for India. “
