Namsai (Arunachal Pradesh),22 December 2025: Current Rainforest India Challenge leader Ujjal Namshum guided his team to victory in the Pro-Modified category, while Krishna Phani Dhanekula and Prudhvi Sistla led their squad to the Stock class win as the Orange 4X4 Fury International concluded after three demanding days across the Lohit, Dibang and Sisiri river regions of Arunachal Pradesh here on Sunday.
Namshum, with co-driver Sujeewan, combined with teammates Chethan Chengappa and Sachin Saikia in the team’s second vehicle to secure the top Pro-Modified timing with a total penalty of 4:50:35. The runners-up were Rakshith K R and Rajkumar, partnered by Devineni Sri Venkat and Rakesh Bura, who finished in 5:18:18, while third place went to Kranthi Kumar Vengala and K M Mayur Bopaiah, supported by Rambabu Mareedu and Thalam Kumaraswamy, in 6:11:23.
In the Stock category, Krishna Phani Dhanekula and Prudhvi Sistla, teamed with Bhaskar Raju and Mutthu Kumuran, topped the standings with 3:34:21. They were followed by Jaong Gam Mirip Singpho and Jawjun Mirip, partnered by Hagechada and Praritosh Barman, who clocked 3:57:24. Third place went to Ravi Chandra Arra and Vikas Kumar Gopu, alongside Sumanth Potluri and Bhargav Chowdary, in 3:58:32. The women’s class honours were claimed by Joi Basar and Ringam Doni.
A total of 50 off-road vehicles competed across the Pro-Modified and Stock divisions, with each team fielding two vehicles to support recovery and endurance needs on the long stages. The rally was flagged off from the Golden Pagoda in Namsai on December 18, a day after the dramatic night-time prologue held inside the Bereng river, where Namshum signalled intent with an early strong showing. Over the next three days, competitors negotiated exposed riverbeds, shifting sandbanks and forest tracks that tested both machinery and teamwork.
The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Ramesh Linggi, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The rally formed part of the Orange Festival of Adventure and Music, which drew more than 15,000 visitors on its busiest day between December 18 and 21.
The event was supported by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, along with JK Tyre, whose wider involvement in motorsport and community initiatives across the North-East includes associations with the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland and the Orange Festival of Adventure and Music.
Results
Pro-Modified
Winner
Ujjal Namshum / Sujeewan
Chethan Chengappa / Sachin Saikia
Penalty: 04:50:35
1st Runner-up
Rakshith K R / Rajkumar
Devineni Sri Venkat / Rakesh Bura
Penalty: 05:18:18
2nd Runner-up
Kranthi Kumar Vengala / K M Mayur Bopaiah
Rambabu Mareedu / Thalam Kumaraswamy
Penalty: 06:11:23
Stock
Winner
Krishna Phani Dhanekula / Prudhvi Sistla
Bhaskar Raju / Mutthu Kumuran
Penalty: 03:34:21
1st Runner-up
Jaong Gam Mirip Singpho / Jawjun Mirip
Hagechada / Praritosh Barman
Penalty: 03:57:24
2nd Runner-up
Ravi Chandra Arra / Vikas Kumar Gopu
Sumanth Potluri / Bhargav Chowdary
Penalty: 03:58:32
Women’s Class
Joi Basar / Ringam Doni.
About JK Tyre Motorsport:
JK Tyre has been associated with Indian motorsport for nearly three decades, with a long-term programme to broaden the sport beyond its elite image and make it accessible and spectator-friendly. The company’s grassroots and national racing initiatives helped develop a strong talent pipeline, producing India’s first Formula 1 drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok, and later racers such as Armaan Ebrahim, Arjun and Kush Maini, and Anindith Reddy Konda. JK Tyre has also been a major advocate for women in motorsport, supporting participation from karting level and creating women-focused events including the JK Tyre–WIAA Women’s Rally to the Valley, Defence Wives Power Drive, YFLO Women’s Power Drive and Times Women’s Drive. It also introduced an all-women’s team in the JK Tyre National Racing Championship to encourage greater female representation in the sport.
