Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu – August 12, 2025 — The waves of Mahabalipuram roared with excitement as the ASF 4th Asian Surfing Championships 2025 concluded, bringing Asia’s best surfers together for a week of adrenaline-pumping action. The prestigious event, held from August 3 to 12, 2025, showcased elite surfing talent across multiple divisions and marked a historic milestone for Indian surfing.
In the Open Men’s Division, South Korea’s Kanoa Heejae emerged champion with a score of 15.17, narrowly defeating Indonesia’s Pajar Ariyana (14.57). India’s Ramesh Budihal claimed bronze with 12.60, becoming the first Indian surfer to win a medal at the Asian Surfing Championships. Indonesia’s Mega Artana placed fourth with 9.97.
The Open Women’s Division was dominated by Japan, with Anri Matsuno (14.90) taking gold ahead of Sumomo Sato (13.70).
Young talent also shone in the junior categories. Kanoa Heejae added another gold in the Under-18 Boys with 14.33, while China’s Siqi Yang topped the Under-18 Girls with 14.50.
Organised by the Surfing Federation of India in partnership with Tamil Nadu Surfing Association, the championship drew surfers from Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, China, Thailand, and India, cementing Mahabalipuram’s reputation as a premier surfing destination in India.
The 2025 edition not only celebrated the sport but also inspired a new generation of Indian surfers, with Ramesh Budihal’s historic bronze paving the way for the country’s rising talent.
