Kerala Tourism Minister Lauds Surfer Ramesh Budihal’s Inspiring Feat

Quick Summary

• Ramesh Budihal from Kovalam, Kerala, becomes the first Indian surfer too qualify for the Open Men’s final at the 2025 ASF Asian Surfing Championships in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.
• He secured his spot in the finals with an impressive semifinal score of 11.43 points and dominated his heat with a remarkable score of 14.84 points.
• Budihal’s achievement highlights Kerala’s efforts to establish itself as a global hub for adventure sports and surfing.
• Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas praised Budihal’s accomplishment,noting it inspires budding surfers and emphasizes the state’s emergence on the international surfing map.
• Recent adventure sports events hosted by Kerala include International Surfing Championship in Varkala, Malabar River Festival (white-water kayaking), National Surfing Championship, Paragliding Festival in Vagamon, and Mountain Terrain Bike Tournament in Mananthavady.

Indian Opinion Analysis
Ramesh budihal’s historic achievement is a milestone both for individual talent and India’s positioning on the global adventure sports scene. The growing prominence of surfing aligns with Kerala’s strategic tourism goals to promote high-adrenaline activities among youth while showcasing its natural coastal beauty. By organizing global-scale events such as international championships across disciplines including kayaking and paragliding, Kerala is carving out a distinct niche within India’s broader tourism sector.

This progress could encourage investment into infrastructure supporting water-based adventures like surfing or kayaking while fostering economic opportunities for local communities linked to outdoor sports enthusiasts worldwide. It also sets an inspirational precedent for young athletes looking beyond traditional sporting disciplines toward avenues like professional surfing-a field often under-recognized within India.

Read more: The Hindu