Chennai, Sept 18:
India’s national surfing coach Samai Reboul has set his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with the country’s historic debut in surfing at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games seen as an important step towards building an Olympic pathway.
India will field four surfers in the shortboard competition at the Asian Games, with Kishore Kumar and Sivaraj Babu competing in the men’s event and Kamali Moorty and Sugar Shanti Banarse representing the country in the women’s event. Reboul, who has been working with the national team since 2024, is overseeing preparations in Mahabalipuram.
Reboul said the Asian Games should be viewed as part of a long-term programme rather than an isolated target. He stressed the need to create sustainable pathways for young Indian surfers, provide international competition experience and develop the support structure required to compete at the highest level.
India’s growing presence in international surfing has been supported by increased competitions, coaching and investment. Reboul said the country’s qualification for the Asian Games itself represented an important milestone and that continued development would be essential for Indian surfers to compete for Olympic qualification in 2028 and beyond.