Karnataka’s Ramesh Budihal and Tamil Nadu’s Kamali Moorthy Crowned National Surfing Champions 2024

• Kishore Kumar & Shrishti Selvam Win Men’s & Women’s Open Categories at Covelong Classic 2024
• Tayin Arun & Kamali Moorthy reign supreme in the Groms 16 & Under Boys & Girls categories respectively

Khel Today Bureau

Kovalam, Tamil Nadu: The final day of the Covelong Classic 2024 – the fourth & final leg of the National Surfing Championship came to an eventful finish where Tamil Nadu Surfers emerged victorious across all the four categories. However, it was Karnataka’s Ramesh Budhial & Tamil Nadu’s Kamali Moorthy who were crowned the National Surfing Champions basis the cumulative points collected from their impressive finishes across the four legs of the national surfing championship that began in March earlier this year. The overall champion of the Men’s category for 2024 received a Jawa Yezdi motorbike, while the Women’s category overall champion was given a cash prize equivalent to the value of the motorbike.

“I’m happy to have defended my title in the Groms 16 and U-Girl’s category, however I am elated to also be crowned as the National Champion. My next goal is to win at the Asian Surf Championship,” said a visibly excited Kamali Moorthy post being crowned the National Champion.

Ramesh Budihal with his winning Jawa Yezdi bike’s key.

Ramesh Budihal, after being crowned as the National Champion, said, “I’ve had my sights set on the National Championiship title from the very beginning of the season, and I’m delighted to have reached this milestone. Now, my focus shifts to making the country proud at the Asian Surfing Championship.”

At the Covelong Classic 2024 Tamil Nadu surfers dominated across all categories with child surfing prodigy Kishore Kumar standing tall as the Men’s Open Champion with a score of 15.47. In the women’s open category with a total score of 6.33 points it was Shrishti Selvam who walked away with the winner’s trophy. The Groms 16 & Under Boys and Girls categories saw local surfers Tayin Arun (14.66) and Kamali Moorthy (9.66), emerge victorious. The winners in each category received a cash prize of INR 20,000, while the runners-up were awarded INR 15,000 each.

The Men’s Open Category saw child prodigy Kishore Kumar star the proceedings with an impressive score of 15.47. Karnataka’s Ramesh Budihal finished second with a score of 14.67 while Akilan S was placed third with a score of 11.76. In the women’s Open category following Shrishthi Selvam, Kamali Moorthy (5.33) and Devi Ramanathan (4.73) finished second and third respectively.

Shrishti Selvam with her winning cheque.

After winning the Women’s Open championship, Shrishti Selvam said, “I am very happy to win the title today. It was not an easy feat given the tough conditions, but I’m proud to have achieved it. My next goal is to perform my best at the Asian Surf Championship, which is scheduled later this month in Maldives.”

Kamaly Moorthy with her winning cheque.

The Groms 16 and U-Boys category finals saw fierce competition among the young surfers. Tayin Arun outperformed everyone, including Kishore Kumar, to become the champion with a score of 14.66. Kishore Kumar narrowly missed the top spot, finishing as the runner-up with a score of 14.27. Harish P took third place with a score of 10.33. The Groms 16 and U-Girls category finals saw Kamali Moorthy successfully defended her title with a score of 9.66 while Karnataka’s Saanvi Hegde finished second with a score of 7.23, while Dhamayanthi Sriram took third place with a score of 5.43.

Post-victory, Tayin Arun said, “Kishore and I practice together, so it’s especially rewarding to win the title today. I’m thankful to my coach, the Federation, and everyone who believed in me. My next goal is to bring laurels to our country at the upcoming Asian Surf Championship.”

The three-day Covelong Classic 2024 was organized by the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India and was hosted by Surf Turf. The event is supported by the Tamil Nadu Government and the Ministry of Youth Welfare and Sports Development. The Covelong Classic 2024 is sponsored by the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association while was powered by leading motorcycle company ‘Jawa Yezdi’ for the third consecutive year. TT Group, one of the oldest supporters of Surfing in India were the ‘Co-Powered By’ partners for the eleventh consecutive year.