Thulusdhoo, Maldives: Kishore Kumar, the teenage surfing sensation from Tamil Nadu, has created history by becoming the first Indian to reach the semi-finals of the Asian Surfing Championships 2024. Competing in the U-18 Boys category, Kumar’s impressive performance at the championship in Thulusdhoo, Maldives, has marked a significant milestone for Indian surfing on the international stage.
With eight Indian surfers participating across four categories in the event, which doubles as a qualifier for the Asian Games 2026, Kumar stands out as the sole Indian to advance beyond the quarterfinals, keeping the country’s hopes alive. In Heat 3 of the quarterfinals, Kumar showcased his exceptional skills, scoring 11.50, the highest in his heat, and securing his spot in the semi-finals. He outperformed John Chan of Chinese Taipei, who scored 9.12, and local surfer Sayyid Salahudheen, who finished third with a score of 8.76.
Kumar’s consistent excellence throughout the competition has been remarkable. He clinched first place with scores of 12.86 in Round 1 and 14.33 in Round 3. His Round 3 score of 14.33 remains the highest ever recorded by an Indian surfer in this competition.
Yesterday, alongside Kumar, Harish Muthu advanced to the quarterfinals in the Men’s Open category. Unfortunately, Harish fell just short of a semi-final berth after a fiercely contested heat.
Reflecting on his achievement, Kishore Kumar expressed his excitement: “I’m thrilled beyond words to have secured a spot in the semi-finals. Competing against Asia’s top surfers has been challenging, but I stayed focused and gave my best. I’m proud to make my country proud and bring some joy. My next goal is to reach the finals and win a medal for India.”
Samai Reboul, Head Coach of the Indian Team, praised Kumar’s performance: “We are absolutely delighted with Kishore’s performance today and look forward to seeing him make history tomorrow. His talent, dedication, and hard work are evident in every competition he enters. I am confident that he will bring us great joy and pride in the upcoming rounds.”
Kumar’s progress at the Asian Surfing Championships has not only elevated his profile but has also put Indian surfing on the global map, offering hope for further achievements in future international competitions.
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