Team India Qualifies for Asian Games 2026
Performance Report of Indian Surfers at the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC) 2024, Maldives
India's Achievements at ASC 2024
First-Ever Medal: The silver medal in the team event is a landmark achievement, demonstrating India’s progress in the sport.
Asian Games Qualification: Secured quota spots for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in both men’s and women’s categories.
Individual Milestones:
Harish Muthu's quarter-final finish.
Kishore Kumar’s semi-final qualification in the under-18 category.
The 2024 Asian Surfing Championships (ASC), held in Thulusdhoo, Maldives, represented a historic moment for Indian surfing, with remarkable performances in team and individual events.
The Indian athletes who represented the country at the ASC 2024 in Maldives were Harish Muthu in the men’s open category, Kishore Kumar in the under-18 category, and the team members Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Assistant Coach Sanjay Selvamani in the Maruhaba Cup team event guided by Coach Samai Reboul. Key representatives of the Indian delegation included Arun Vasu, President, Surfing Federation of India (SFI), Jehan Hoshi Driver General Secretary, Surfing Federation of India (SFI) & Sid Hande, President, Tamil Nadu Surfing Association (TNSA) who went along with the team for supporting the team India.
Team Event: Maruhaba Cup
India clinched its maiden silver medal in the team event, achieving its best-ever finish at the ASC. The event saw India outshine strong competitors like Chinese Taipei and China in the finals.
Team Composition Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D & Sanjay Selvamani
Performance Breakdown:
Semi-finals: India emerged victorious in Heat 2 with a score of 32.16, surpassing Chinese Taipei (29.70) and South Korea (27.74).
Finals Results:
Gold: Japan (58.40)
Silver: India (24.13)
Bronze: Chinese Taipei (23.93)
4th Place: China (22.10)
This achievement highlights the growing strength of Indian surfers on an international platform.
Individual Highlights
Harish Muthu became the first Indian surfer to qualify for the quarter-finals in the men’s open category.
Scored 6.76 in a tough quarter-final heat, finishing behind Joi Satriawan (Indonesia, 15.66) and Kaisei Adachi (Japan, 12.50), who advanced to the semi-finals.
Notable Achievement: Recorded a personal best score of 7.87 in the fourth round to secure his quarter-final spot.
Kishore Kumar advanced to the semi-finals, demonstrating significant promise for India’s next generation of surfers,
Showcased significant improvement from previous performances, achieving a competitive edge over surfers from South Korea and the Maldives.
At just 17, Kishore is seen as a future prospect for India in the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, with his adaptability on different wave conditions being a standout
Ajeesh Ali played a pivotal role in Team India’s silver medal victory in the Maruhaba Cup at the Asian Surfing Championships 2024. His performance as a support surfer demonstrated both skill and composure, particularly in the team event. Ajeesh contributed significantly during the semi-finals, where India scored 32.16, outshining teams like Chinese Taipei and South Korea.
In the finals, despite challenging wave conditions and stiff competition from surfing powerhouses like Japan, Ajeesh maintained consistent scores, ensuring India’s place on the podium. His ability to perform under pressure highlighted his experience and strategic approach to competitive surfing.
Ajeesh’s performance at Thulusdhoo was not only a testament to his technical skills but also his synchronization with the team, showcasing the importance of teamwork in the dynamic format of the Maruhaba Cup
Kamali P. competed in the Women’s Open, representing India in one of the most challenging categories.
Though she did not medal, her participation added to India's growing representation in women's surfing.
Kamali P is not only an athlete but also a significant inspiration for women surfers in India, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
Event Significance
The ASC 2024 showcased India’s steady rise in international surfing, with performances reflecting improved technique, strategy, and confidence. The Surfing Federation of India, led by President Arun Vasu played a crucial role in mentoring and managing the team, setting a solid foundation for future success.
Links to articles: Olympics, DD News, Olympics
This event has established a strong trajectory for Indian surfing, with a promising outlook for upcoming competitions such as the 2026 Asian Games and other international championships.
At the Asian Surfing Championship team India squad was supported and funded by the Surfing Federation of India. Special thanks to Pupil First to their contribution towards the athletes and all other sponsors & supporters who have relentlessly been a part of developing the athletes through various grants, efforts and development programs.