THULUSDHOO, Maldives: Just a day after making history by securing its first-ever Asian Games quotas in surfing, the Indian Surfing Team has added another feather to its cap at the Asian Surfing Championships 2024. The team secured the silver medal by defeating China at the Maruhaba Cup, a prestigious team event. Held at the picturesque Thulusdhoo Island in the Maldives, this competition has not only showcased India’s surfing prowess but has also marked a historic moment for Indian sports on the international stage.
The Maruhaba Cup, a significant category within the Asian Surfing Championship, brought together elite surfers from across the continent in a high-stakes team event. India’s performance was nothing short of exceptional as the team outperformed numerous strong contenders, China, to secure the coveted silver medal.
The Indian team, consisting of Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani, secured first place in the Heat 2 semi-final with a total score of 32.16. Chinese Taipei followed in second place with a team score of 29.70, while South Korea finished third with a score of 27.74 in the same semi-final.
In the final, the Indian team competed against Asia's best to secure the silver medal, finishing in second place with a team score of 24.13. Chinese Taipei (23.93) and China (22.10) placed third and fourth, respectively. Japan won the gold medal by a substantial margin, with an impressive score of 58.40.
The Indian surfing squad, consisting of talented athletes from coastal Chennai, demonstrated impressive skill and finesse throughout the competition. Their relentless determination and expert wave-riding were pivotal in achieving this podium finish.
Speaking on the team’s silver medal, Mr. Arun Vasu, President, Surfing Federation of India, said, “This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unity of our team, including the athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters. We are incredibly proud of our surfers for their outstanding performance and the silver medal win, which reflects their relentless commitment and skill. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the unwavering support from our sponsors and the enthusiasm of our fans.”