President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has inaugurated the Asian Surfing Championship 2023, the largest surfing competition in Asia.
President Solih inaugurated the competition in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll, with Vice President Faisal Naseem, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof and officials of the Asian Surfing Federation in attendance, along with surfers and officials from the participating nations. Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih wished the competitors success in the competition, adding that it is an opportunity for surfers from around the world to experience the beauty and hospitality of the Maldives.
The Asian Surfing Federation presented President Solih with a commemorative plaque in appreciation. The inaugural ceremony also included a sand ceremony, symbolising the participating nations' unity and the convergence of diverse cultures and backgrounds within the teams. It also represented the spirit of collaborative harmony and sportsmanship among the competing surfers.
After the inaugural ceremony, President Solih inspected the venues prepared for the competition. The Asian Surfing Championship 2023 is a co-organised event by the Asian Surfing Federation, the youth ministry, and the Maldives Surfing Association.
The Asian Surfing Championship has been the largest surfing competition in Asia since 2004. It is open to all Asian nations, and this year's competition features surfers from 18 countries.