# Japan sweeps Shore Temple Classic quarterfinals as Indian surfers exit

2026-08-14T01:36:34+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Japanese surfers filled every men's QS 2000 quarterfinal spot at the World Surf League Shore Temple Classic in Mahabalipuram on Thursday. Shohei Kato led with 14.50, followed by Tenshi Iwami (14.17), Ikko Watanabe (13.16), and Sentaro Sakai (12.17). In the women's QS 2000, Mirai Ikeda topped the semifinals with 13.67. India's Kishore Kumar advanced from the Round of 32 but lost in the Round of 16 with 9.13. The Pro Junior men's quarterfinals also saw Japan dominate, with Taro Takai posting 14.24. India's representatives P. Kamali, Sheik Davudh, and Kishore Kumar all exited with lower scores. The Sportstar reports that Watanabe, a 20-year-old Asian under-18 champion, aims to win both the junior and QS events. Surfing will debut at the Asian Games in Tahara, Japan, in September.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/sport/japan-dominates-shore-temple-classic/article71341277.ece>
- sportstar.thehindu.com <https://sportstar.thehindu.com/other-sports/ikko-watanabe-japan-surfer-interview-profile-world-surf-league-2026-mahabalipuram/article71340815.ece>
- newindianexpress.com <https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/other/2026/Aug/14/world-surf-league-indians-bow-out-japan-dominate>

Tags: Asian Games, Japan, Mahabalipuram, Shore Temple Classic, surfing, World Surf League
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