RFC Day 2: Chow Ujjal and Chethan Chengappa Stay on Top

At the end of Day 2 of the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India 2025, Chow Ujjal Namshum from Arunachal Pradesh and his co-driver Chethan Chengappa from Karnataka continue to lead the ‘4×4 Extreme’ category. After 9 out of 26 Special Stages, they have scored 838 out of 900 points. The duo kept their lead by earning perfect scores in three stages and 95 points in another on Day 2.

Bijender Singh and his co-driver Gajender Singh from Delhi remain in second place with 750 points. Rambabu Mareedu and Kumaraswamy Thalam from Telangana moved up to third place with 703 points.

Reflecting on Day 2, Chow Ujjal Namshum said, “It was a good day overall and we are happy with our performance in most of the stages. We got stuck in a few places and had some mechanical issues too. But that’s part of the game—RFC India throws something new at you every day.” He added that the competition is getting tougher, and they have to push themselves and their vehicle in every stage to stay ahead. “There is serious competition this year. Bijender Singh is right on our tail and there are at least three or four teams closing in fast. But we are staying calm and doing what we do best. We strategize for each stage and once it’s done, we move on—no looking back.”

Bijender Singh shared his approach this year, saying, “I came to Goa this year with the resolution to stay in the top five in the early days, instead of preserving the vehicle and trying to catch up later. Over the years, I have realised that a conservative approach in the initial stages leads to major gaps that become impossible to close in the final days. While I am still cautious about vehicle damage, I am taking bolder decisions this year than ever before.”

In the new ‘4×4 Modified’ category, Cyril Dmello from Mumbai and his co-driver Ameer Sadiq lead after Day 1 with 363 out of 400 points. Steven Fernandes and Balwant Jagram from Goa are in second place with 331 points, while Manoj Biradar and Sachin Gadashetti from Karnataka are third with 328 points.

Cyril Dmello said, “Over the past five years, I have participated in around 35 club-level competitions and finished on the podium in many of them. But RFC India has always been on my bucket list. I have attended the event as a spectator for years, so to finally compete—and finish first on Day 1—is incredibly emotional and exciting for me.” He added that the stages were as challenging as expected, with a smart mix of technical obstacles.

Meanwhile, officials completed vehicle checks for the 30 teams in the ‘4×4 Stock’ category, and their competition will start tomorrow.

With 77 teams now competing across three categories, the coming days promise intense action and excitement for off-road fans from all over India, who have gathered in Goa to cheer for their favorite teams in the battle for the RFC India 2025 Champions title.