Puligilla-Sherif First Indians on WRC3 Podium

Naveen Puligilla and Musa Sherif from Hyderabad, India, made history by becoming the first Indian pair to finish on the podium in a World Rally Championship event.

They competed in the WRC3 category at the Saudi Arabia Rally 2025 and finished second in their class.

Their Ford Fiesta Rally3 car was prepared by Africa Eco Sports in Nairobi, Kenya.

They completed the rally in just over 4 hours and 28 minutes, finishing 26th overall among 41 cars.

This achievement is significant because it shows that Indian drivers can compete at the highest level in international rally racing.

Puligilla and Sherif demonstrated excellent teamwork on challenging terrains, including fast gravel roads and shifting sand dunes.

This podium finish is the highlight of Puligilla's impressive season, which also includes a podium finish at the Tanzania Rally and a category win at India's National Rally Championship's Robusta Rally in Kodagu.