Chennai: Making history for Indian surfing, Ramesh Budhial clinched the bronze medal in the Open Men’s category at the Asian Surfing Championships in Chennai on Sunday, becoming the first Indian to ever secure a podium finish in the event.
Budhial, who also became the first Indian to reach the medal round, scored 12.60 points to take home the bronze. Korea’s Kanoa Heejae struck gold with 15.17 points, while Indonesia’s Pajar Ariyana claimed silver with 14.57 points.
In the Open Women’s category, Japan’s Anri Matsuno (14.90 points) took the top spot, edging out compatriot Sumomo Sato (13.70 points) for gold. Isabel Higgs of Thailand won bronze with 11.76 points.
Heejae, fresh from his men’s gold, doubled his success by winning the Under-18 boys’ gold with 14.33 points. China’s Shidong Wu (13.10) and Shulou Jiang (8.00) completed the podium with silver and bronze respectively.
The girls’ Under-18 event saw China dominate, with Siqi Yang posting 14.50 points for gold and Shuhan Jin (10.33) securing silver.
