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Arun Vasu, president of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), has been elected as the new president of the Asian Surfing Federation (ASF), marking a significant milestone for Indian surfing.

Vasu was elected after a vote by ASF’s member national federations, with the process supervised by the International Surfing Association (ISA).

He succeeds Japan’s Atsushi Sakai, who had served as the federation’s president since 2011.

Indian surfing chief takes continental role

A lifelong windsurfer and surfer, Vasu has led the Surfing Federation of India since 2021. During his tenure, Indian surfing has made notable strides, with the country securing qualification for the Asian Games and winning its first-ever medal at the Asian Surfing Championships.

Speaking after his election, Vasu acknowledged the contribution of the outgoing administration while outlining his vision for the future of the sport in Asia.

“I want to begin by acknowledging Japan’s leadership over these many years, and everything built under it. That legacy is real, and this Federation stands on it,” Vasu said.

He added that the federation would focus on ensuring equal opportunities for nations across the continent while promoting both surfing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

“What comes next is ours to build together. ASF’s future has to belong equally to every part of Asia, and both surfing and SUP deserve a real stage. That work starts now,” he said.

Vasu’s appointment comes at a significant time for Indian surfing, with the country preparing to host the World Surf League’s Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and its first-ever Pro Junior event in Mahabalipuram later this month, further underlining the sport’s growing profile in the country.

(Except for the headline and the short description, this story has not been edited by Read staff and is published from a syndicated feed)