After a week of intense competition in Goa, 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. Competing against 77 teams from 11 states, they scored 2,302 points out of 2,600 after completing all 26 Special Stages. The duo earned 100 points in 12 stages and finished fastest in 14. This is Ujjal’s first RFC India win and Chethan’s fourth as a co-driver. As the top Indian driver, Ujjal also earned a free entry to the RFC Global Grand Finale in Malaysia later this year.
Cedrick Jordan Da Silva and Mackwin Dias finished as runners-up in the ‘4×4 Extreme’ category with 1,999 points, while Rambabu Mareedu and Kumaraswamy Thalam from Telangana took third place with 1,957 points.
Reflecting on his win, Ujjal said, “This victory means a lot because of the hard work that went into it. After last year’s issues, we started preparing right away. We fixed what didn’t work, kept what did, and kept improving. The competition was close at first, but we stuck to our strategy—give everything in every stage, no holding back. We trusted our vehicle and our support crew completely, and that made the difference this year.”
Winners in New Categories
In the new ‘4×4 Modified’ category, Steven Fernandes and Balwant Jagram from Goa took the top spot with 1,622 points out of 2,000. Cyril Dmello and Ameer Sadiq from Maharashtra finished second with 1,605 points, while Manoj Biradar and Sachin Gadashetti from Karnataka came third with 1,539 points.
Steven said, “Winning the ‘4×4 Modified’ category in my first RFC India is incredible. The tracks were tough, but I was determined to give it my best. We had ups and downs, but we stayed focused and kept climbing.”
In the ‘4×4 Stock’ category, also introduced this year, Mihir Dharkar and Shantanu Grover from Maharashtra won with 1,303 points out of 1,400. They scored 100 points in 6 of the 14 stages and 95 points in 3. Bopaiah Kongettira and Bopanna Maleyanda from Karnataka finished second with 1,215 points, while Prathan Chittiyappa and Anush Byramudi, also from Karnataka, took third with 1,046 points. All three top teams in this category drove Maruti Suzuki vehicles—two Jimnys and one Gypsy.
Mihir said, “This is my first time at RFC India and to win the ‘4×4 Stock’ category is more than I could have asked for. We stayed consistent, had strong finishes, and no DNFs. My advice for future competitors: have a plan for every stage, walk every course, and keep your vehicle simple. The right mindset and preparation are key.”
A Growing Motorsport Event
Organized by Cougar Motorsport, RFC India is the Indian chapter of the world-famous Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia, ranked among the world’s toughest off-road races. Since its debut in 2014, RFC India has become the country’s most prestigious off-road motorsport event.
Luis J.A. Wee, Founder of The Rainforest Challenge, congratulated everyone involved, saying, “RFC India is now the best and biggest event in the RFC Global Series. All who participated are proudly in the Hall of Fame of RFC Global Series.”
Ashish Gupta, Director of Cougar Motorsport, added, “With two new categories and a record 77 teams, the stakes were higher and the challenges tougher. I am incredibly proud of every competitor and grateful to the marshals and crew. Congratulations to the winners—you have truly earned your place at the top.”
