The Maldives claimed second place in the men’s section of the Asian Surfing Championship, which concluded in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll, on Monday.
Surfers from over 18 countries participated in the five different events, including the Aloha Cup, men’s open, women’s open, junior men’s, junior women’s, and mixed team events.
During the closing ceremony held Monday, the top three countries in both the men’s and women’s sections were announced. Japan emerged as the most successful team in the men’s category, with four of their athletes competing in the men’s open. Remarkably, two of the Japanese athletes secured their places in the men’s open final.
The Maldives, with a team comprising 16 athletes, clinched the runner-up position in the men’s open section. Hussain Areef (Ibu) particularly shone, winning the bronze medal in the men’s open category. Meanwhile, India finished third in the men’s open division.
Japan also claimed first prize in the women’s category.
Their impressive performance resulted in securing gold medals in both categories. It is noteworthy that the Japanese surfers only missed out on two out of the possible six medals in the two events.
Coming in second place of the women’s category was China, while Thailand closely followed in third place.
Danny Vidianto of Indonesia emerged as the champion in the men’s section. Japan’s Riki Sato secured second spot, while Ibu achieved the bronze medal.
In the women’s section, Sumomo Sato of Japan clinched the top position. Mirai Ikeda, also from Japan, secured the silver medal while Dia Natasha of Indonesia finished third with the bronze medal.
Sumomo Sato’s prowess extended to the junior women’s championship as well, where she triumphed once again. China’s Siqi Yang secured the second position, while Japan’s Mirai finished in third place.
Meanwhile,In the junior men’s category, Ikko Watanabe of Japan emerged as the champion. Riki Sato of Japan secured the second spot, while his compatriot Taro Takai took home the third place medal.
