Last year, the island of Thulusdhoo in the Maldives came alive with Asia’s finest surfers. At the 2024 Asian Surfing Championships, India snagged a silver medal in the Maruhaba Cup team event, trailing just behind the ever-dominant Japan, and ahead of competitors from Chinese Taipei and China. But the real highlight was Harish Muthu becoming the first Indian to reach the quarter-finals in the men's open ever.

Now, the buzz is back. The 2025 edition of the ASF Asian Surfing Championships is headed to home turf. From August 3 to 12, the wave-hugging shores of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu will play host to the continent’s most elite surfers. Organized by the Asian Surfing Federation (ASF), this year’s championship holds even more weight as it’s the final qualifying event for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

Founded with the goal of nurturing a strong surfing culture across Asia, the ASF has gradually transformed the sport into a regional movement. The Championships are not just a showcase of skills, but represent a growing, connected community of coastal athletes pushing against limits and breaking through.

And what better place to host it than Mahabalipuram? Known for its ancient Shore Temple and its roots as a Pallava port city, this beach town has become a surfer’s haven. Its right-hand point breaks, shaped by nature and history alike, draw in both seasoned pros and curious first-timers. With wind patterns from the west-northwest and swell from the east-southeast, the waves here are consistent, clean, and endlessly surfable.

Add to that the local surf schools, a welcoming culture, and an evolving surf scene that blends heritage with athleticism, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for the most epic surf event of the year. As the waves roll in this August, so do some exciting performancs fueled by wind, water, and the growing pulse of a sport that’s has increasingly found its footing in India.

Follow the Asian Surfing Federation here for updates.

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