The 12th edition of the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India has concluded with Ujjal Namshum and co-driver Chethan Chengappa successfully defending their 4×4 Extreme title. The duo finished with 2,253 points out of a possible 2,600, securing back-to-back victories in India’s toughest off-road motorsport event.
The week-long competition also crowned champions in the 4×4 Modified and 4×4 Stock categories after competitors tackled some of the most demanding off-road stages in Goa.
4×4 Extreme
Representing Arunachal Pradesh, Ujjal Namshum and Chethan Chengappa emerged victorious after six days of competition across 26 Special Stages.
Their victory also earns them a free automatic entry to the RFC Global Series Finale in Malaysia later this year.
Kranthi Kumar Vengala and Rajeev Lal PM finished second with 2,052 points, while Goa’s Viddesh Madgaonkar and Sahil Sadekar completed the podium on 1,962 points.
Reflecting on the win, Ujjal described RFC India as the team’s “pilgrimage”, saying the event is the one competition they prepare for throughout the year.
4×4 Modified
Sarjerao Kawade and co-driver Rushikesh Patil from Pune claimed the 4×4 Modified title with 1,633 points after maintaining a consistent lead throughout the competition.
Kerala’s Shehinsha TP and Muhammed Nabeel secured second place with 1,572 points, narrowly ahead of Gagan Karumbaiah and Bopanna Maleyanda on 1,569 points.
Kawade credited the victory to better preparation and strategy after returning with a rebuilt vehicle following last year’s campaign.
4×4 Stock
The 4×4 Stock category was won by Kerala’s Athul Thomas and co-driver Binil Babu with 1,247 points.
RFC India debutants Naku Hage Chada and Loda Punyo from Arunachal Pradesh finished second on 1,173 points, while Sabu Xavier and Halvin Appanna completed the podium with 1,144 points.
Athul revealed his participation rarely happened after a planned event elsewhere was cancelled, adding that the team focused on consistency after an early setback in the opening stage.
Special awards
RFC India 2026 also recognised standout performances with several special awards:
- Environment Award: Team Hyderabad
- Most Unique 4×4: Pravin Jadhav
- David Metcalfe Jungleman Award: Hamdaan Khan
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Sameer Chunawala
- Best Service Team: Ujjal Namshum and Chethan Chengappa’s crew
Final Take
RFC India 2026 delivered one of its toughest editions yet, with heavier rainfall and more technical stages testing competitors across all three categories. Ujjal Namshum’s successful title defence capped another memorable edition, while the growing competitiveness in the Modified and Stock classes highlighted the event’s role in developing India’s off-road motorsport talent.
