Goa’s rain-drenched jungles turned into a battleground for off-road supremacy as the Rainforest Challenge India 2025 concluded with high-octane action and grit. In the headline 4×4 Extreme category, it was the team of Chow Ujjal Namshum from Arunachal Pradesh and Chethan Chengappa from Karnataka who emerged victorious after a week of punishing terrain, complex stages, and intense competition.
Their commanding performance not only earned them the top spot but also secured Namshum an automatic entry to the RFC Global Finale in Malaysia later this year.
Rainforest Challenge India 2025: Showcasing Skill, Strength, and Stamina
With 77 teams from 11 Indian states, the 2025 RFC India was the biggest and most diverse yet. Moreover, the 4×4 Extreme category featured 26 tough stages testing recovery, mechanics, teamwork, and endurance.
Namshum and Chengappa posted a total of 2,302 points out of 2,600, including stage-best times in 14 stages, showcasing not just speed but consistency under pressure. It marked Namshum’s maiden RFC India victory and Chengappa’s fourth win as a co-driver, making them one of the most formidable driver-navigator pairs the event has seen.
Reflecting on their performance, Namshum shared,
“This win is deeply personal. After last year’s technical setbacks, we went back to the drawing board — refining the car, tuning the strategy, and pushing through every challenge. From cold-weather events in Arunachal to fine-tuning every component, we left nothing to chance.”
He added,
“We didn’t hold back, every stage was flat out. We had tough competitors like Bijender Singh keeping us sharp, but our trust in our preparation, our team, and our machine made the difference.”
Rounding Off the Podium
- Second Position: Cedrick Jordan Da Silva & Mackwin Dias with1,999 points
- Third Position: Rambabu Mareedu & Kumaraswamy Thalam with 1,957 points
These teams showcased remarkable grit throughout the competition and kept the pressure on until the final day.
New Categories Broaden the Off-Roading Base
For the first time, RFC India introduced two additional categories, 4×4 Modified and 4×4 Stock. Further, making the competition more accessible and diverse.
4×4 Modified Category
1st Position: Steven Fernandes & Balwant Jagram with 1,622/2,000 points. Remarkably, their maiden RFC outing turned into a spectacular debut win.
Fernandes said,
“The terrain was relentless, yet our resolve remained strong. This win means everything.”
- Second Position: Cyril Dmello & Ameer Sadiq
- Third Position: Manoj Biradar & Sachin Gadashetti
4×4 Stock Category
- 1st Position: Mihir Dharkar & Shantanu Grover with 1,303/1,400 points
- The duo conquered 14 stages with consistent top finishes and zero DNFs.
Dharkar remarked,
“Being crowned champions on our RFC debut feels surreal. We stayed committed to our strategy, and it delivered results.”
- Second Position: Bopaiah Kongettira & Bopanna Maleyanda
- Third Position: Prathan Chittiyappa & Anush Byramudi
Rainforest Challenge India 2025: More Than Just a Race
The Rainforest Challenge India has grown beyond being just a motorsport event. Moreover, it’s a test of machine and man, a celebration of off-road culture, and a gateway to the global off-road stage. With new categories attracting fresh faces and seasoned veterans pushing limits, RFC India 2025 proved why it remains the gold standard of extreme off-roading in the country.
As Namshum and Chengappa set their goal to compete for India at the RFC Global Finale in Malaysia. Especially, the country’s off-roading community watches with pride, knowing that its best are ready to take on the world.
