Archive · 7 Aug 2026
India's champion surfer moves court over Asian Games selection snub
A surfer from India named Ramesh Budihal is very good at surfing.
Last year, he won a medal at a big surfing contest in Asia.
In fact, he was the only Indian to win a medal there.
Now there is a very big sports event called the Asian Games happening in Japan.
Budihal wanted to be the surfer who represents India at that event.
But the group that picks Indian surfers chose another surfer, Sivaraj Babu, instead.
Budihal was only made the backup, or reserve, surfer.
He thinks this is unfair because going to the Asian Games is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
He has asked a big court in India, called the Karnataka High Court, to help him.
The court will decide if the choice should be changed.
Ramesh Budihal, India's only medal winner at last year's Asian Surfing Championship, has moved the Karnataka High Court over his selection as first reserve for the men's surfing event at the Asian Games.
On June 23, the Executive Council of the Surfing Federation of India selected Sivaraj Babu to represent India in the event.
Budihal, 25, called the Asian Games a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, saying denial would mean years of hard work go in vain.
The Asian Games in Japan are scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
The Indian Olympic Association said the names of selected participants have already been uploaded on the Olympic Council of Asia portal and cannot be changed.
- Who
- Ramesh Budihal, India's only Asian Surfing Championship medal winner, versus the Surfing Federation of India and the Indian Olympic Association.
- What
- Budihal moved the Karnataka High Court challenging his selection as first reserve instead of India's representative in the men's surfing event at the Asian Games.
- When
- The selection was made on June 23; the Asian Games are scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
- Where
- Karnataka High Court in India; the Asian Games will be held in Japan.
- Why
- Budihal says participating in the Asian Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and being denied it would make years of hard work go in vain.
Athlete's Challenge
Federation and IOA Position
Asian Games selection
Athlete's Challenge
Budihal, India's only Asian Surfing Championship medalist, argues he deserves the spot and that missing the Asian Games would waste years of hard work.
Federation and IOA Position
The Surfing Federation of India selected Sivaraj Babu, and the IOA says participant names are already uploaded on the Olympic Council of Asia portal and cannot be changed.
- Athlete
- Ramesh Budihal, 25
- Achievement
- India's only medal winner at last year's Asian Surfing Championship
- Selection status
- First reserve for the men's surfing event
- Selected athlete
- Sivaraj Babu
- Decision date
- June 23 (Executive Council of Surfing Federation of India)
- Legal action
- Petition filed at Karnataka High Court
- Event
- Asian Games in Japan, September 19 - October 4
- IOA position
- Names uploaded on Olympic Council of Asia portal; cannot be changed