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Indian male surfers Harish Muthu, Ajeesh, and Srikanth had an exceptional Day 1 in the Asian Surfing Championships in Thulusdhoo, Thailand. Notably, the Championships are the qualifiers for the Asian Games 2026, where surfing will make its debut.
It’s worth noting that after the success of the first Asian Surfing Championships in 2019 in China, the organization committee of the Asian Games decided to include surfing as a sport in the 2026 Asian Games.
Harish Muthu topped his heat with a score of 11.37 while Srikanth and Ajeesh Ali scored 10.57 and 9.60 to secure their spots in the third round.
Eight Indian surfers part of the ASF Asian Surfing Championships 2024
The Surfing Federation of India (SFI) has fielded eight surfers for the ASF Asian Surfing Championships in Thailand. While three surfers are part of the men’s team, one women surfer made the cut. Four surfers, meanwhile, are part of the junior category.
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The Asian Games 2026 will see a total of 48 athletes compete, including 24 male and as many female surfers who can qualify from this year’s Championships as well as next year’s.
It’s worth noting that only a maximum of two athletes from each country in both the women’s and men’s open categories can qualify for the Asian Games. Twelve male and female surfers qualify for the Asian Games from each of the two qualifying events.
Top countries of the five regions of Asia will have the opportunity to qualify for the Asian Games while an additional seven countries that rank the overall highest will also get a chance to compete at the games. Notably, the top seven rankings will not include the top counties from each region.
The ongoing Asian Surfing Championships will conclude on August 27 with over 100 athletes competing from 20 nations. The five events at the tournament include men’s and women’s open divisions, a junior category, and a team event - the ASF Maruhaba Cup.
