Chow Ujjal Namshum from Arunachal Pradesh and co-driver Chethan Chengappa from Karnataka have won the 2025 edition of the Rainforest Challenge India (RFC India) in the headlining 4x4 Extreme category. As a result, Namshum has also earned a free automatic entry to the Rainforest Challenge Global finale, which will be held in Malaysia later this year.
Two new categories had been added to the off-road competition this year to make the event more accessible. Steven Fernandes (co-driver Balwant Jagram) took victory in the 4x4 Modified category, while Mihir Dharkar (co-driver Shantanu Grover) won in the 4x4 Stock category.
1. 77 teams participated in RFC India this year
2. Namhum earns free entry in Rainforest Challenge Global finale
2025 Rainforest Challenge India winners
4x4 Extreme winners: Chow Ujjal Namshum, Chethan Chengappa
77 teams from across 11 Indian states participated in Rainforest Challenge India this year. The 4x4 Extreme category featured the most challenging terrain and technical requirements with a total of 26 stages. These were designed to test driving skill, vehicle recovery techniques, teamwork, as well as physical and mental endurance.
Namshum and Chengappa took top honours in this class, securing 2,302 out of a total of 2,600 points. They also set the fastest times in 14 of the stages. This is Namshum’s first-ever RFC India win and Chengappa’s fourth as a co-driver.
“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,” said Namshum.
“The competition was close in the beginning, and Biju (Bijender Singh) kept us on our toes. But we stuck to our strategy and gave everything we had 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.”
Cedrick Jordan Da Silva (co-driver Mackwin Dias) finished second with 1,999 points. Rambabu Mareedu (co-driver Kumaraswamy Thalam) completed the podium with 1,957 points.
4x4 Modified winners: Steven Fernandes, Balwant Jagram
The newly-introduced 4x4 Modified category featured a total of 20 stages. Fernandes and Jagram won the event on their very first attempt, with 1,622 out of 2,000 points.
“Winning the ‘4x4 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,” Fernandes said.
“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.”
Cyril Dmello (co-driver Ameer Sadiq) secured second place, followed by Manoj Biradar (co-driver Sachin Gadashetti).
4x4 Stock winners: Mihir Dharkar, Shantanu Grover
The 4x4 Stock category also joins RFC India for the first time. Reserved for near-factory spec vehicles, this category saw the highest number of entries. After 14 gruelling stages, Dharkar and co-driver Grover took victory, securing 1,303 out of 1,400 points.
This is my first time at RFC India and to be crowned the Overall Champion of the ‘4x4 Stock’ category – honestly, I couldn’t have asked for more,” said Dharkar.
“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!”
Bopaiah Kongettira (Bopanna Maleyanda) finished second, while Prathan Chittiyappa (co-driver Anush Byramudi) rounded out the podium. Interestingly, it was an all-Maruti podium, with two Jimnys and one Gypsy.
Dipan Sur
