Who Is ‘Flying Sikh’ Hari Singh? Rally Icon Missing in the Maldives

A late-night speedboat crash in the Maldives has left two celebrated Indians missing and an entire sporting community holding its breath. Among those unaccounted for is Hari Singh - five-time national rally champion and one of the most iconic names in Indian motorsport. Days on, search teams are still looking. 

Here's what we know.

What happened in the Maldives?

Late on Thursday, March 19, a high-speed boat carrying seven passengers capsized near Vaavu Atoll in the Maldives, close to Felidhoo Island. The vessel overturned approximately two nautical miles southwest of Keyodhoo. The speedboat was reportedly being used to ferry passengers to industrialist Gautam Singhania's superyacht, TT Ashena.

Who Is Hari Singh?

Hari Singh, 59, is one of India's most storied motorsport figures. He began his career with the Himalayan Car Rally in 1990 and went on to win the Indian National Rally Championship five times through the 1990s. He was also the first Indian to win the inaugural Asia Zone Rally Championship. 

Known on the circuit as both “The Flying Sikh” and the “Gypsy King,” Singh later became Head of Operations at JK Tyre Motorsport and a chief instructor at Mercedes-Benz India, mentoring generations of Indian racing talent.

Who else is missing?

Commander Mahesh Ramachandran, captain of Singhania's luxury yacht, also remains unaccounted for. According to India Today, he is a former naval aviator and Arjuna Award-winning sailor with medals at the Asian Games and World Military Games to his name.

What about Singhania and the others?

Singhania was rescued with minor injuries and airlifted to Mumbai, where he is recovering. Based on local media reports, one Indian national suffered severe injuries, including the loss of an arm, and has been flown to India for treatment. A Russian woman and another Indian national continue to receive care in the Maldives.

What is the status of the search?

The Maldives National Defence Force launched operations shortly after the incident. Reportedly, thousands of square nautical miles have been scanned by sea, with extensive underwater searches by divers. A police media official confirmed that the missing individuals have not yet been found.

How has the sporting community reacted?

The disappearance has sent shockwaves through Indian motorsport and sailing circles alike. Colleagues have recalled Singh's role as a mentor and his contribution to nurturing young talent. As the search enters its most critical days, both fraternities wait anxiously for answers.

(With inputs from yMedia)