Chennai: Top Indian surfer Ramesh Budihal scripted history by becoming the first Indian to make it to the finals of the ASF Asian Surfing Championships 2025, being held at Mahabaipuram, about 50 km from here, on Saturday.
The Day 6 of the event witnessed high drams, exceptional performances, and a moment that will be etched in India’s sporting history.
Following the unprecedented qualification of four Indian surfers to the Quarterfinals yesterday, all eyes were on Mahabalipuram’s famed right-hand point break today as the competitions entered the decisive knockout stages.
With key heats in the Open Men’s Quarterfinals and Semifinals, Open Women’s Semifinals, U18 Boys’ Quarterfinals, and U18 Girls’ Quarterfinals, the day was packed with knockout battles, high-pressure performances, and moments of history in the making.
Team India entered the day with three surfers in the Open Men’s Quarterfinals and it became a day that will go down in Indian surfing history.
India’s top Surfer, Ramesh Budihal 14.84 displayed masterful wave selection and composure under pressure in Quarterfinal Heat 1, holding off Neil Sanchez (PHL) – 12.80 to claim the first place.
Advancing to the Semi Finals, Ramesh maintained his momentum with a well-timed, high scoring performance that earned him second place in a tense heat, securing a spot in the Final--the first-ever Indian surfer to achieve this milestone at a continental championship.
India's Kishore Kumar 10.50 fought hard in Quarterfinal Heat 4, linking committed turns and critical maneuvers. Despite his solid score, he narrowly missed Semifinal qualification behind Eduardo Alciso (PHL) – 12.03.
Srikanth D of India – 10.90 brought consistency and flow in Quarterfinal Heat 3, battling closely with Kanoa Heejae (KOR) – 10.94 but missing advancement by a razor-thin margin.
The collective performance reinforced India’s growing stature in the Asian surfing circuit, while Ramesh’s final berth stood as a landmark achievement.
