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Surfing has long been seen as a niche sport in India, but on Sunday in Chennai, it took a giant leap into the nation’s sporting consciousness. Ramesh Budhial etched his name into the history books by becoming the first-ever Indian to win a medal at the Asian Surfing Championships, securing bronze in the Open Men’s category. His achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also represents a defining moment for Indian surfing on the continental stage.
The competition, hosted at the picturesque Covelong Point in Chennai, drew some of Asia’s most talented surfers. For Budhial, the event was a chance to test himself against the region’s best, but it became something much more — the day he made history for his country.
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The Historic Bronze
Budhial’s path to the podium was not straightforward. Against seasoned athletes from surfing powerhouses like Korea, Indonesia, and Japan, the 28-year-old from Tamil Nadu had to summon all his skill, composure, and tactical awareness.
In the final, Budhial delivered a series of impressive rides, earning a combined score of 12.60 points. While it wasn’t enough to challenge for gold, it comfortably secured him the bronze medal, ensuring India’s first-ever presence on the podium at this level.
The gold went to Korea’s Kanoa Heejae, whose performance was nothing short of dominant. With a total score of 15.17 points, Heejae showcased a blend of power and precision that set him apart from the field. Indonesia’s Pajar Ariyana claimed silver with 14.57 points, pushing Budhial hard but never overshadowing the significance of his achievement.
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Budhial’s Journey to the Medal Round
Reaching the medal round was already a groundbreaking feat for Budhial. In previous editions of the Asian Surfing Championships, Indian surfers had struggled to progress beyond the early rounds, often lacking the international competitive experience needed to match more seasoned athletes.
Budhial, however, has been quietly building his credentials over the past few years. Training along India’s southeastern coastline and participating in international surf clinics, he has honed his ability to read waves and maintain control under pressure. His qualification for the final four was the result of not just natural talent but relentless dedication to improving every aspect of his craft.
Speaking after his win, Budhial expressed pride in representing India at this level:
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A Strong Field of Competitors
The Open Men’s category was one of the most competitive in recent years, featuring surfers from nations with long-standing surfing traditions.
Heejae’s victory was not limited to the Open Men’s event. Later in the day, he doubled his medal tally by claiming the Under-18 Boys’ gold medal with a score of 14.33 points, underlining his status as one of Asia’s brightest surfing talents. China’s Shidong Wu took silver with 13.10 points, while his compatriot Shulou Jiang settled for bronze with 8 points.
Women’s Open Final: Japan’s Dominance Continues
While Budhial’s bronze was the highlight for Indian fans, the Open Women’s category delivered its own drama. Japan’s Anri Matsuno emerged as the champion with 14.90 points, edging out her countrywoman Sumomo Sato, who finished with 13.70 points.
The Japanese surfers’ fluidity, speed, and technical precision proved decisive in challenging wave conditions. Thailand’s Isabel Higgs secured bronze with a score of 11.76 points, adding to her reputation as a consistent podium contender in regional competitions.
Under-18 Girls: China Takes the Spotlight
China’s young surfers stole the show in the girls’ Under-18 event. Siqi Yang dominated the field, posting an impressive 14.50 points to win gold. Her teammate, Shuhan Jin, ensured a clean sweep of the top two spots for China with her silver-medal performance, scoring 10.33 points.
This strong showing from China’s youth division signals a bright future for the sport in the country and adds another layer of competitiveness to future Asian Championships.
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Why Budhial’s Medal Matters
Surfing is still in its infancy as a professional sport in India, but Budhial’s success could be a turning point. His achievement resonates beyond the confines of the beach in Chennai — it’s a statement that India can compete on the Asian stage in water sports.
For years, India’s participation in surfing was limited to regional tournaments and developmental programs. International competition often exposed the skill gap between Indian surfers and their Asian counterparts. Budhial’s medal narrows that gap and proves that, with proper training and exposure, Indian athletes can match the best.
Building on the Momentum
The Surfing Federation of India (SFI) has been working to promote the sport, organizing national championships and youth development programs. With increased investment and international coaching, the federation hopes to build a pipeline of athletes who can regularly compete for medals at the Asian and even world level.
Budhial’s achievement will likely encourage greater sponsorship interest, crucial for a sport that requires specialized equipment, travel, and training facilities. More importantly, it could inspire young people from India’s extensive coastline — from Tamil Nadu to Goa and Kerala — to see surfing as a viable competitive sport.
The Rise of Chennai as a Surfing Hub
The choice of Chennai as the host city for the Asian Surfing Championships was no coincidence. The city, with its steady swells and warm waters, has become a hotspot for India’s surfing scene. Covelong Point, in particular, has developed a reputation as a prime location for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Over the past decade, Chennai has hosted multiple international surfing events, helping local surfers gain valuable exposure and experience. This year’s championship was another opportunity to showcase not just the talent but also the infrastructure India can offer to the global surfing community.
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Looking Ahead: The Road to Greater Glory
Budhial’s bronze is a breakthrough, but it also sets the stage for bigger ambitions. The immediate goal for Indian surfing will be to increase participation in continental events and aim for higher finishes.
The long-term vision involves representation at the World Surf League’s Challenger Series and eventually at the Olympic Games, where surfing made its debut in Tokyo 2020. While those stages present significantly tougher competition, Budhial’s achievement is a reminder that the journey has already begun.
For now, his bronze medal will be celebrated as a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. And for Indian sports fans, it’s another reason to look beyond the country’s traditional strengths and embrace the growing diversity of its athletic talent.
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