Following a week-long, intense competition where 77 teams from 11 states were fighting in Goa for The Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India, 2025 Champions title across 3 categories, Chow Ujjal Namshum from Arunachal Pradesh and co-driver Chethan Chengappa from Karnataka have won the 11th edition of The Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India in the ‘4×4 Extreme’ category.
They secured 2302 points out of 2600 after completing the 26 Special Stages (SS) of the competition, earning 100 points in 12 SS and finishing fastest in 14. This marks Ujjal’s first RFC India win and Chethan’s fourth as a co-driver. As the top Indian driver of the ‘4×4 Extreme’ category, Ujjal has won a free automatic entry to the Rainforest Challenge Global Grand Finale to be held in Malaysia later this year.
Cedrick Jordan Da Silva (co-driver Mackwin Dias) finished as the first runner-up in the ‘4×4 Extreme’ category with 1999 points, while Rambabu Mareedu (Kumaraswamy Thalam) from Telangana secured third place with 1957 points.
Reflecting on the win, Chow Ujjal Namshum said, ‘This victory means a lot because of the hard work that went into it. After last year’s issues with the car, we began prepping almost immediately. We fixed what didn’t work, kept what did and kept improving. From winter races in Arunachal to fine-tuning every nut and bolt, it’s been non-stop.’
He added, ‘The competition was close in the beginning, and Biju (Bijender Singh) kept us on our toes. But we stuck to our strategy: give everything we have got in every single stage. No holding back, no preserving the car. We knew we were prepared and trusted our vehicle and our support crew completely. Chethan and I just focused on ourselves and what we could control. That mindset, combined with a great team and solid prep, is what made the difference this year.’
In the newly introduced ‘4×4 Modified’ category of RFC India 2025, Goan driver Steven Fernandes (Balwant Jagram) emerged as the Overall Champion with 1622 points out of 2000. Cyril Dmello (Ameer Sadiq) from Maharashtra secured second place with 1605 points, while Manoj Biradar (Sachin Gadashetti) from Karnataka finished third with 1539 points.
Expressing his happiness, Steven said, ‘Winning the ‘4×4 Modified’ category in my very first RFC India is an incredible feeling. The tracks were extremely tough—with rocks, water and constantly changing conditions—but I came in determined to give it my best. From the very beginning, I had only one goal: to reach the top. I told my team that no matter what happened, we would give it everything. There were ups and downs during the event and I dropped in rankings at one point. But we stayed focused, kept climbing and here we are.’
Mihir Dharkar (Shantanu Grover) of Maharashtra was declared the winner of the ‘4×4 Stock’ category, also introduced for the first time in RFC India. He secured 1303 points out of 1400, with 100 points in 6 of the 14 SS and 95 points in 3 SS. Bopaiah Kongettira (Bopanna Maleyanda) from Karnataka finished second with 1215 points, while Prathan Chittiyappa (Anush Byramudi), also from Karnataka, secured third with 1046 points. Interestingly, all three top teams in the ‘4×4 Stock’ category were driving Maruti Suzuki vehicles—two Jimnys and one Gypsy.
According to Mihir, ‘This is my first time at RFC India and to be crowned the Overall Champion of the ‘4×4 Stock’ category—honestly, I couldn’t have asked for more. We came in with a clear mindset and it stuck. We were consistent, had strong finishes, no DNFs and wrapped up the event at the top of the table. I am all smiles and this trophy is going straight to my favourite spot at home!’
Sharing some advice for future competitors in the ‘4×4 Stock’ category, he added, ‘Preparing for something like this—especially with 30 teams competing in Stock—takes discipline. I’ve got years of racing experience across different disciplines and the mantra I follow (and recommend) is simple: have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C for every single stage. Walk every course thoroughly. Don’t cut corners. As for the vehicle, keep it minimal—don’t get too creative. Maruti Suzuki’s Jimny is brilliantly built; all you need is a good set of tyres, quality suspension and the right mindset when the helmet goes on. That’s what gets you to the top.’
Organized by Delhi-based Cougar Motorsport, RFC India is the India chapter of the internationally acclaimed Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia, which is ranked among the world’s top 10 toughest motor races and top 5 toughest off-road races. Since its debut in 2014, RFC India has grown into the country’s most prestigious off-road motorsport competition.
Congratulating all the competitors, marshals and officials of RFC India 2025, Luis J.A. Wee, Founder of The Rainforest Challenge, said, ‘What a brilliant event this has been and the credit goes to each and every person associated with it. The scale of the India edition has grown manifold since its launch in 2014 and I can confidently say that RFC India is now the best and the biggest event in the RFC Global Series. All those who participated, you are proudly in the Hall of Fame of RFC Global Series.’
Ashish Gupta, Director of Cougar Motorsport, said, ‘With the introduction of two new categories and participation of a record 77 teams across the categories, I was just as nervous this time as I was back in 2014 when we launched the very first edition of RFC India. The stakes were higher, the challenges tougher and yet the spirit remains the same. I am incredibly proud of every single competitor who pushed their limits this year and deeply grateful to the marshals and crew whose tireless efforts make this event possible. Heartfelt congratulations to the winners — you have truly earned your place at the top.’
