India has reached a landmark moment in its sporting history by securing all four available surfing quotas for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan two for men and two for women.
This achievement, marking the maximum representation allowed for any nation, comes ahead of surfing’s debut at the Asian Games and underscores India’s rapid emergence as a competitive force in the sport. The journey to this historic milestone was built across two successive Asian Surfing Championships the 2024 edition in the Maldives and the 2025 edition in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu with strategic performances from a new generation of Indian surfers.
Along the way, India celebrated its first-ever individual medal at the Asian Surfing Championships and strengthened its reputation as both a competitor and capable event host. Surfing’s inclusion in the 20th Asian Games, scheduled from 19 September to 4 October 2026, follows its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 and appearance at Paris 2024. The discipline will join a programme of 41 sports, giving Asian surfers a major continental platform to compete.
For India, qualifying the maximum team size in the sport’s first Asian Games appearance offers not only a statistical advantage for medal contention but also a visibility boost that can attract funding, sponsorships, and broader public interest.
The Asian Surfing Federation (ASF), under the International Surfing Association (ISA), governs the qualification process, with the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) acting as the national body. Each National Olympic Committee can earn a maximum of four quotas — two men, two women via performances at the 2024 and 2025 Asian Surfing Championships.
India’s campaign followed a phased success:
- 2024 ASC (Thulusdhoo, Maldives) – 1 men’s and 1 women’s quota.
- 2025 ASC (Mahabalipuram, India) – 1 men’s and 1 women’s quota, completing the full allocation.
Step One: 2024 Asian Surfing Championships (Maldives)
India’s breakthrough came in the Maldives with a silver medal in the Maruhaba Cup team event, the country’s first continental podium in surfing. The result was backed by standout individual performances:
- Harish Muthu – First Indian to reach the men’s open quarter-finals.
- Kishore Kumar – At 17, reached U18 semi-finals, winning multiple heats.
- Ajeesh Ali – Key role in the team silver.
- Kamali Moorthy – Women’s Open competitor.
These efforts secured the first two Asian Games quotas and marked India’s arrival on the continental surfing map.
Step Two: 2025 Asian Surfing Championships (Mahabalipuram)
From 3–12 August 2025, India hosted the continental championships for the first time. Over 150 surfers from 20 countries competed in Tamil Nadu’s iconic waves in the final Asian Games qualifier.
The event was historic for several reasons:
- Full quota achieved – Additional 1 men’s and 1 women’s spot earned.
- First individual medal – Ramesh Budihal won bronze in the men’s open (12.60 points), completing a personal comeback after missing the 2024 team.
- Kishore Kumar – Men’s open semi-finalist, confirming his status as India’s No.1 men’s surfer.
- Team standings – Men: 3rd place (1,785 points), Women: 8th place (1,200 points).
The competition also reinforced India’s balanced development in both men’s and women’s surfing a crucial factor in reaching the maximum quota.
India’s progress reflects a deepening talent pool:
- Ramesh Budihal – Bronze at ASC 2025, surfing since age five in Kovalam, Kerala.
- Kishore Kumar – Consistent performer at both 2024 and 2025 ASCs, excelling across junior and senior levels.
- Harish Muthu – 2024 quarter-finalist in the men’s open.
- Kamali Moorthy – National champion, multiple ASC appearances, key figure in women’s participation.
- Srikanth D, Shrishti Selvam, Sugar Shanti Banarse, Harish P, Aadya Singh, Dhamayanthi Sriram – Emerging talents contributing in various categories.
The Surfing Federation of India, under President Arun Vasu, has led the sport’s growth with events like the country’s first surf camp (2011, Mulki) and international competition hosting (Kovalam, 2013). Grassroots work by clubs like Mantra Surf Club and the Surfing Swami Foundation has introduced the sport to coastal youth, often providing equipment and training free of cost. International exposure and coaching have raised competitive standards. Experts like coach Samai Reboul note clear skill improvements, though more overseas competition is needed to match Japan and Indonesia.
Rising in Asia’s Competitive Surfing Landscape
Asian surfing remains dominated by Japan, Indonesia, and South Korea. At ASC 2025:
- Men’s Open – Gold: South Korea, Silver: Indonesia, Bronze: India.
- Women’s Open – Japan took both gold and silver.
India’s men ranked third in the team standings, ahead of China and Chinese Taipei, signalling a narrowing gap with the continent’s elite. Full quota means India can field its strongest possible lineup in both men’s and women’s shortboard at the Games. With proven performers like Budihal and Kumar, the team has realistic podium ambitions.
Key priorities for the next 12 months include:
- Regular participation in high-level international events.
- Continued technical coaching and athlete support.
- Strategic preparation in wave conditions similar to Japan’s competition venues.
India’s qualification achievement is more than a numbers milestone it represents the sport’s shift from a niche coastal activity to a nationally recognized discipline with Olympic potential. By securing all four quotas, India positions itself as a rising power in Asian surfing and sets a foundation for long-term international competitiveness. If this momentum is sustained, Aichi–Nagoya 2026 could be both a breakthrough moment on the podium and a catalyst for surfing’s deeper integration into India’s sporting culture.
