Mahabalipuram delivers high-octane finals at ASF Asian Surfing Championships 2025; Ramesh Budihal claims India’s first-ever continental medal
The final day of the ASF Asian Surfing Championships 2025 delivered everything fans could hope for perfect waves, elite performances, and a historic first for Indian surfing.
Under a bright Tamil Nadu sky, Mahabalipuram’s famed right-hand point break became the stage for Asia’s top surfers to chase continental glory. Korea’s Kanoa Heejae and Japan’s Anri Matsuno were crowned champions in the Open Men’s and Women’s divisions, while India’s Ramesh Budihal etched his name into history as the first Indian surfer to claim a medal at the continental level.
A Bronze That Feels Like Gold for India
When the bronze medal was confirmed, the tricolour rose over the podium for the first time in ASF Asian Surfing Championships history.
Ramesh Budihal’s third-place finish in the Open Men’s final wasn’t just a personal triumph — it was a watershed moment for Indian surfing. Competing against Asia’s most accomplished riders, Budihal’s composed, calculated approach earned him a score of 12.60, enough to outpace Indonesia’s Mega Artana for the final podium spot.
“This is a proud and unforgettable day for Indian surfing,” said Arun Vasu, President of the Surfing Federation of India. “To see an Indian surfer win bronze at the Asian Championships is historic. Ramesh’s achievement proves that India has arrived on the Asian surfing map, and it will inspire countless young surfers to dream bigger and push harder.”
Open Men’s Final: Kanoa Heejae Rises to the Occasion
The Open Men’s final saw four surfers from three nations battle in flawless conditions. Korea’s Kanoa Heejae claimed gold with a heat-winning score of 15.17, edging Indonesia’s Pajar Ariyana by just 0.6 points. Kanoa’s aggressive rail work, vertical turns, and ability to read the shifting sets set him apart. Ariyana’s smooth style and critical maneuvers kept him in contention until the last minutes, but the Korean’s consistency proved decisive.
Final Standings – Open Men:
1.Gold: Kanoa Heejae (KOR) – 15.17
2.Silver: Pajar Ariyana (INA) – 14.57
3.Bronze: Ramesh Budihal (IND) – 12.60
4.Mega Artana (INA) – 9.97
Open Women’s Final: Japan Dominates the Podium
The women’s final turned into an all-Japan battle for gold and silver, with Anri Matsuno delivering a masterclass in speed, power, and precision. Her score of 14.90 edged compatriot Sumomo Sato by 1.2 points.
Sato’s stylish, consistent rides kept her in striking range until the closing moments, while Thailand’s Isabel Higgs took bronze with 11.76, ensuring her country’s presence on the podium.
Final Standings – Open Women:
1.Gold: Anri Matsuno (JPN) – 14.90
2.Silver: Sumomo Sato (JPN) – 13.70
3.Bronze: Isabel Higgs (THA) – 11.76
4.Shuhan Jin (CHN) – 9.43
U18 Boys: Kanoa Doubles Up
Kanoa Heejae’s golden day didn’t end with the men’s open title. The Korean prodigy also clinched the Under-18 Boys’ crown, showing the same composure and skill that had earned him senior gold. With a score of 14.33, he topped China’s Shidong Wu by 1.23 points. Wu’s powerful surfing kept the heat alive until the final exchange, but Kanoa’s ability to link fast rail work with sharp finishing maneuvers proved too much.
Final Standings – U18 Boys:
1.Gold: Kanoa Heejae (KOR) – 14.33
2.Silver: Shidong Wu (CHN) – 13.10
3.Shulou Jiang (CHN) – 8.00
4.Laihao Zhang (CHN) – 7.17
U18 Girls: China’s Commanding 1–2 Finish
The U18 Girls’ final showcased China’s depth of talent, with Siqi Yang delivering a decisive victory. Her early lead, built on smart wave selection and flawless execution, translated into a winning score of 14.50 — over four points clear of second place.
Her teammate Shuhan Jin took silver, while Thailand’s Isabel Higgs, doubling up from the Open division, secured bronze.
Final Standings – U18 Girls:
1.Gold: Siqi Yang (CHN) – 14.50
2.Silver: Shuhan Jin (CHN) – 10.33
3.Bronze: Isabel Higgs (THA) – 8.10
4.Shin Joobin (KOR) – 4.90
A Championship to Remember
From seasoned champions to rising stars, the 2025 ASF Asian Surfing Championships had it all — drama, precision, and the kind of performances that elevate the sport.
Korea’s Kanoa Heejae emerged as the undisputed star of the event, winning both the Open Men’s and U18 Boys’ titles. Japan’s Anri Matsuno reaffirmed her position as one of Asia’s elite female surfers, while China’s junior dominance was on full display in the U18 Girls’ category.
For India, however, the most enduring image will be Ramesh Budihal standing on the podium, bronze medal around his neck, the tricolour waving proudly in the background. It’s a moment that could mark the beginning of a new era for Indian surfing — one where the country is no longer just a participant, but a contender.
Fans can catch full replays and highlights on the Asian Surfing Federation’s YouTube channel and follow updates across ASF’s official social media platforms. If Mahabalipuram 2025 is any indication, Asian surfing’s next chapter is going to be faster, higher, and more competitive than ever before.
