Day 6 of the ASF Asian Surfing Championships 2025 at Mamallapuram’s iconic right-hand point break will go down as one of the most memorable in Indian surfing history. With the waves rolling in under clear skies and a palpable buzz on the beach, Indian fans witnessed a groundbreaking moment: Ramesh Budihal became the first Indian surfer to qualify for a continental championship final.
The day’s schedule was stacked with decisive knockout rounds: Open Men’s Quarter Finals and Semi Finals, Open Women’s Semi Finals, and Under-18 Boys’ and Girls’ Quarter Finals. Every heat brought high stakes, intense performances, and, for India, a landmark achievement that signaled the nation’s growing influence in the sport.
Open Men’s: Ramesh Budihal Leads India’s Charge
India entered the day with three surfers in the Open Men’s Quarter Finals, all riding the momentum from their historic collective advance on Friday. From the opening heat, it was clear the stakes had elevated the lineups were tighter, wave selection more tactical, and every maneuver carried extra weight.
Quarterfinal Heat 1 saw Ramesh Budihal lock into rhythm early, reading the break with surgical precision. His 14.84 total came from a combination of clean bottom turns, tight snaps in the pocket, and a seamless flow between sections. The performance was enough to keep Neil Sanchez (PHL) at bay despite the Filipino’s strong 12.80 push.
Advancing to the semi-finals, Ramesh faced even greater pressure against an elite field. In a tense, high-scoring duel, he stayed composed, choosing set waves that allowed him to maximize scoring potential. A late, committed ride secured him second place in the heat, punching his ticket to the Open Men’s Final — a first for any Indian surfer at a continental-level championship. The beach erupted in cheers, with fellow surfers and supporters hailing the moment as a “turning point” for Indian surfing.
India’s other two quarterfinalists also gave spirited performances. Kishore Kumar (IND) put together a 10.50 in Heat 4, stringing committed turns and precise re-entries, but fell short against Eduardo Alciso (PHL) 12.03. Srikanth D (IND) fought a nail-biter in Heat 3, scoring 10.90, but was edged out by Kanoa Heejae (KOR)—10.94, missing advancement by just 0.04 points.
Open Women’s: Jin and Matsuno Set the Tone for a Blockbuster Final
The Open Women’s Semi Finals showcased the sharpest technical surfing of the day, with competitors delivering vertical hits, speed runs, and precise floaters on the peeling Mamallapuram walls. In Semi Final Heat 1, Shuhan Jin (CHN) combined surgical rail work with aggressive top turns to post a 14.50, holding off Sumomo Sato (JPN)—12.00. Jin’s ability to link maneuvers through critical sections made the difference.
In Semi Final Heat 2, Anri Matsuno (JPN) delivered one of the standout performances of the entire championship. Her 16.33 total came from waves that allowed her to display speed, power, and style in perfect harmony. Isabel Higgs (THA) surfed well for a 10.73 but could not match Matsuno’s precision and variety.
The results set up a high-powered final between China and Japan, with Thailand looking to disrupt the podium through the repechage.
U18 Boys: Margins Tight, Juniors Rising
The U18 Boys Quarter Finals were a showcase of the next generation’s skill, with slim differences separating winners and runners-up.
- Heat 1: Chia-Chi Yu (TPE) – 13.40 narrowly defeated Shidong Wu (CHN) – 13.27 in a back-and-forth battle where wave selection proved decisive.
- Heat 2: Jun Seohyun (KOR) – 11.20 outpaced Shulou Jiang (CHN) – 10.50 in a tactical heat.
- Heat 3: Kanoa Heejae (KOR) impressed again, posting 14.33 to eliminate Laihao Zhang (CHN)—10.07.
For India, Harish P continued to draw praise with confident, fluid surfing in his quarterfinal appearance. Though he did not advance, his performance reinforced his status as one of Asia’s brightest junior prospects.
U18 Girls: China and Thailand Take Control
The U18 Girls Quarter Finals were dominated by China, Thailand, and Chinese Taipei, as the region’s junior elite made their intentions clear.
- Heat 1: Isabel Higgs (THA) – 11.50 outclassed teammate Ashley Holmberg (THA) – 5.17.
- Heat 2: Shuhan Jin (CHN) – 10.40 proved too strong for Huai-Pen Chen (TPE) – 6.27.
- Heat 3: Siqi Yang (CHN) – 12.33 maintained composure to beat Shin Joobin (KOR) – 6.07.
- Heat 4: Wan-Yu Chen (TPE) – 8.33 edged Earng Jirapat (THA) – 6.10 in a low-scoring, wave-starved heat.
India’s Aadya Singh and Dhamayanthi Sriram both displayed grit and improving technique, battling seasoned international juniors. While their campaigns ended in the quarters, the experience will be invaluable as they continue to rise in the competitive surfing scene.
A Defining Day for Indian Surfing
For Indian surfing, Day 6 was more than just about results it was about validation. The collective quarterfinal presence of Indian surfers in the men’s and junior divisions spoke volumes about the nation’s growing depth. But it was Ramesh Budihal’s breakthrough that will resonate longest.
From the early years of small local meets to now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Asia’s elite, Ramesh’s journey mirrors the sport’s evolution in India. His composure under pressure, tactical reading of the break, and execution in high-pressure heats mark him as not just a national hero but a continental contender.
With semifinals in the U18 Boys and Girls divisions set for tomorrow and all four category finals (Open Men, Open Women, U18 Boys, and U18 Girls on the horizon, the stage is perfectly set for a grand finale.
For India, the nation’s eyes will be firmly on the Open Men’s Final, where Ramesh Budihal will look to convert his historic qualification into an unprecedented continental title. Regardless of the outcome, August 9, 2025, will remain a date to remember the day Indian surfing proved it belongs on Asia’s biggest stage.
