India Shines at Asian Surfing Championships 2024, won Silver

India's Silver Medal at the Maruhaba Cup

• India secured a silver medal in the Maruhaba Cup team event at the Asian Surfing Championships 2024 in Thulusdhoo, Maldives.
• The Indian team, comprising Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani, scored 24.13 points in the final.
• Japan won gold with 58.40 points, while Chinese Taipei (23.93) and China (22.10) placed third and fourth, respectively.
• In the Heat 2 semi-final, India topped with a score of 32.16, ahead of Chinese Taipei (29.70) and South Korea (27.74).
• This achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian surfing on the international stage.

Asian Games 2026 Qualification

• India secured its first-ever quota in surfing for the Asian Games, just a day before winning the silver medal.
• Both the Indian men's and women's surfing teams will compete at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
• The qualification was based on ranking points earned by surfers at the 3rd Asian Surfing Championships 2024.
• This marks the first time surfing will be included in the Asian Games, highlighting the growing importance of the sport in the region.
• The qualification provides Indian surfers with a platform to showcase their skills on one of Asia's biggest sporting stages.

Individual Achievements and Tournament Details

• Harish Muthu became the first Indian to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Asian Surfing Championships before narrowly losing in a tight contest.
• The 3rd Asian Surfing Championships 2024 took place from August 17-27, 2024, in Thulusdhoo, Maldives.
• Over 100 athletes from 20 countries participated in five events, including men's and women's open divisions, a junior category, and the Maruhaba Cup team event.
• A total of eight Indian surfers competed across four categories in the championships.
• The event served as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games, emphasizing its importance in the surfing calendar.

Historical Context and Future Implications

• The first Asian Surfing Championship was held in China in 2019, leading to the inclusion of surfing in the 2026 Asian Games.
• The second championship took place in Thulusdhoo, Maldives, in 2023.
• India's success at the 2024 championships represents a significant leap forward for the country's surfing program.
• The silver medal and Asian Games qualification are expected to boost the profile of surfing in India and potentially attract more resources and support for the sport.
• These achievements set new benchmarks for Indian surfers and serve as inspiration for the growing surfing community in the country.