Dakar Rally Crash: Harith Noah Walks Again After Surgery, Begins Recovery in Hamburg

Hamburg: India’s leading rally raid motorcycle racer Harith Noah has begun his recovery and is walking again after undergoing successful spinal surgery in Germany, following a crash during the 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.

The Indian international sustained multiple injuries late in Stage 1 of the Dakar Rally on January 4, including fractures to the T5, T6 and T8 vertebrae, along with a rib injury. After initial hospitalisation in Saudi Arabia, Noah was transferred to Hamburg for specialist treatment at a spinal clinic experienced in caring for elite athletes.

“I Am Staying in the Now,” Says Harith Noah

Speaking from his hospital bed in Hamburg on January 20, the five-time National Supercross Champion said the surgery had gone well and that doctors have already encouraged him to start walking.

“Things happen, and sometimes you question why. But you can’t go back or change it. You can only deal with what’s in front of you. For me, that means being in the now,” Noah said, using the phrase #InTheNowto describe his approach to recovery.

Three days after surgery, the Sports Science graduate confirmed that while the pain was initially severe, it is now being managed, and mobility has begun to return.

Long Road to Recovery After Dakar Injuries

Doctors have stabilised Noah’s spine using plates and screws, and while the recovery process will take time, he has regained basic mobility.

“It’s a long road back, but I can sit, walk and do regular things,” he said, adding that he will remain in Germany for a few more days under medical supervision.

Gratitude to TVS Racing, Red Bull and Fans

Harith Noah expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters and the Indian motorsport fraternity, particularly TVS Racing, which stood by him through the ordeal and facilitated his mother’s travel to Germany.

“When you’re racing far from home, representing India, that support means everything,” he said, also acknowledging Red Bull and the overwhelming messages from fans across India and around the world.

A Trailblazer for Indian Motorsport

Born on January 29, 1993, the Shoranur-based rider is one of India’s most accomplished rally raid athletes. Harith Noah created history at the Dakar Rally 2024 by winning the Rally2 category, becoming the first rider representing India to win a Dakar class. He also recorded India’s best-ever overall Dakar finish, placing 11th overall, along with two Rally2 stage wins—both firsts for the country.

A Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team rider, Noah is only the third Indian to complete the Dakar Rally, following C.S. Santosh and K.P. Aravind. The 2026 Dakar marked his seventh appearance at the world’s toughest endurance rally, underlining his role in strengthening India’s presence in global motorsport.