India scripts history securing first-ever Asian Games quota in Surfing

Chennai: In a historic day for Indian surfing, the team participating in the Asian Surfing Championships 2024 on Saturday secured its first-ever quota for the upcoming Asian Games 2026, with one spot each for men and women.

These quotas have been earned based on the ranking points accumulated by Indian surfers in the championship held at Thulusdhoo in Maldives.

Teenager Kishore Kumar, who advanced into the semi-final, on Saturday missed out narrowly in a stiff competition. But his spectacular performance throughout the tournament ensured that his country earned quotas for the Asian Games.

The Asian Surfing Championships 2024 which also is a qualifier for the Asian Games 2026 saw eight Indian surfers competed in 4 different categories.

With multiple national championship titles to his name, the determined Kishore Kumar entered the competition on Saturday against some of Asia’s best surfers in U-18 Boys category. He finished third in Heat-2 semi-final with a score of 8.26, just behind Chengzheng Wang of China, who scored 10.00 to place second.

Japanese surfer Taro Takai took first place in the same heat with a score of 14.50. Kishore Kumar, who had previously finished first in Round 1, Round 3, and the Quarterfinals, was exceptional throughout the championships.

Harish Muthu, another successful surfer after Kishore in the tournament had also left his marks as he became the first Indian to qualify for Asian Surfing Championships quarterfinals. However, he fell short in a hard fought battle.

Speaking on the historic day for Indian Surfing, Mr. Arun Vasu, President, Surfing Federation of India, said It’s truly heartening to witness this historic day when Indian surfing has secured quotas for the upcoming Asian Games.

"This achievement is a testament to the hard work and determination of our surfers, coaches, and the federation over the years", he said.

"I am confident that we will also see our surfers competing in the Olympics in the future. While it would have been the icing on the cake if Kishore had made it to the finals today, we are still incredibly proud of him, considering his age, talent, and unwavering determination”, he added.