Surfing is not really a mainstream sport in India; however, it’s making headlines these days because of Ramesh Budihal. The inspiring Indian surfer who recently won a historic bronze medal at the 2025 Asian Surfing Championships in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. His achievement marked the first time an Indian surfer has ever earned a medal in the Open Men’s category at this prestigious continental event.
Ramesh Budihal’s Inspiring Journey
Ramesh Budihal’s journey began early, born in Goa in 2001 but raised along the beautiful coast of Kovalam, Kerala. He first started surfing at the tender age of five, introduced to the sport by the Sebastian Indian Social Project, an NGO that supports underprivileged children through education and surfing. Growing up by the sea, Ramesh quickly fell in love with the waves, teaching himself resilience and balance, both on and off the water.
Life wasn’t always easy for Ramesh Budihal. His family ran a modest handicraft shop, and initially, they didn’t fully support his passion for surfing, worried about the risks involved. Ramesh even dropped out of school in Grade 8 to focus on his surfing dreams. To fund his training, he gave surf lessons and faced the challenges of sporadic sponsorships, including support from brands like Coca-Cola. Despite setbacks, including losing one of his sponsors during the pandemic, his determination never wavered.
A Historic Breakthrough
At the 2025 Asian Surfing Championships, Ramesh Budihal demonstrated remarkable skill and composure. In the final heat, he scored 12.60 points, securing the bronze medal behind gold medalist Kanoa Heejae of South Korea and silver medalist Pajar Ariyana from Indonesia. His performance electrified the home crowd and carved out a new chapter in Indian surfing history.
Ramesh Budihal’s achievement is more than just a medal; it’s a sign that surfing in India is growing beyond being a mere recreational activity into a competitive sport with serious potential. With the Asian Games 2026 on the horizon, Ramesh’s success is inspiring a new generation of Indian surfers to dream bigger.
In simple words, Ramesh Budihal is not just an athlete; he’s a trailblazer who surfed against all odds to make India proud on international waters. His story is about passion, perseverance, and making history, one wave at a time.
Also read: India’s Ramesh Budhial Clinches Bronze in Asian Surfing Championships
