Indian surfing celebrated a landmark moment as Ramesh Budihal secured a bronze medal in the men’s open event at the Asian Surfing Championships 2025, held in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. This achievement marks the first-ever individual medal won by an Indian surfer at the prestigious continental championships, signalling a significant leap forward for the sport in the country.
Budihal put up a stellar performance in the four-man final heat, scoring 12.60 points to claim the bronze medal ahead of Indonesia’s Mega Artana. The gold medal was won by Korea’s Kanoa Heejae, who delivered a remarkable performance with 15.17 points, while Indonesia’s Pajar Ariyana secured silver with 14.57 points. The results reflect the high level of competition, with Budihal holding his own against some of Asia’s top surfers.
His path to the podium was marked by consistency and composure. In the semi-finals, Budihal finished second in his heat, ensuring his place in the medal round. His fellow Indian teammate, Kishore Kumar, put up a spirited fight but was eliminated after finishing fourth in his semi-final heat.
In the women’s open category, Japan’s surfers dominated the field. Enri Matsuno clinched the gold medal, while Sumomo Sato took silver. Thailand’s Isabel Higgs rounded off the podium with a bronze. These results underscored the growing competitiveness and diversity in Asian surfing, with athletes from multiple countries showcasing world-class skills.
The Mahabalipuram event was historic in more ways than one. This was the first time India had the honour of hosting the Asian Surfing Championships, a milestone that put the country on the continental surfing map. Held from August 3rd to 12th, 2025, the competition attracted top surfers from across Asia, turning the scenic Tamil Nadu coastline into a hub of adrenaline, skill, and sportsmanship.
Adding further significance, the championships doubled as the final surfing qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. For many athletes, including Budihal, the competition was not just about medals but also about securing their place on the big stage next year. Budihal’s medal-winning performance will not only inspire the Indian surfing community but also boost India’s prospects at the upcoming Games.
Speaking after his historic achievement, Budihal expressed his gratitude to his coaches, the Surfing Federation of India, and the support team who stood by him through years of hard work and training. He emphasised the importance of building strong grassroots programs to nurture future talent, highlighting how hosting such international events can inspire young athletes to take up surfing professionally.
For Indian sports enthusiasts, Budihal’s bronze is more than a medal—it’s a symbol of the country’s growing presence in global water sports. With improved infrastructure, increased exposure, and dedicated athletes, Indian surfing seems poised for even greater success in the years ahead.
As the waves settle in Mahabalipuram, Ramesh Budihal’s name will be remembered as the trailblazer who rode his way into the history books, proving that India’s surfing journey has only just begun
