Ahmed Hisham Saleem has displayed high endurance in his performance in the Asian Surfing League, presenting a relentless challenge to opponents in his first-ever tournament representing Maldives. The surfer advanced to the third round during the first event.
Local surfer, Ahmed Hisham Saleem had not held any thoughts of partaking in a competitive surfing battle.
His priority in remaining available for his native island's surfing school where he instructs and coaches tourists was far greater.
"I last went to the surfing league held in Gahdhoo [Gaafu Dhaalu, south central Maldives] in 2022. I thought after taking part in the competition that this is a lot of time. Staying free to make income is a better option. As such, I refrained from competing in a local tournament," said Hisham, who established an independent facility seven years back under the name, Thulusdhoo Surfing School to provide a constructive surfing experience for tourists visiting the island.
He remained a spectator during the Asian Surfing Championships held last year and also remained unphased upon learning the Championship this year will also be hosted in Kaafu atoll Thulusdhoo, his native island located 28 km north of the capital, Male'.
Nearly a month ago however, everything changed for the surfer. The wildcard opportunity offered to the host country, Maldives which provides an additional spot into the competition came into play. Hisham was invited to join the tournament under this opportunity by the national team captain, Ahmed Agil (Ammadey).
"Ammadey said such as opportunity has been presented. I thought maybe I'll try it out," shared Hisham.
The surfer clinched his spot in the championship after triumphing over professional surfer, Najah Mohamed in the trial playoffs.
Hisham then began preparing for the Surfing Championship alongside the national squad. The team's coach, Hussain Areef (Ibu) revealed that although Hisham is fairly new to the national team, he remains a surfer with prominent talents.
He demonstrated no stress nor pressure in having to compete in South Asia's largest surfing event shortly after making the national team, said Coach Areef, the nation's most accomplished surfer.
All members of the national surfing team besides Hisham have competed in the Asian Championship and other international platforms. He remains the sole surfer to dive straight into the waves of such a large competition.
"No such pressure was observed from him. He also considerably prepared his mind for this as well," said Areef.
Despite being new to the scene, Hisham accomplished the honor of becoming the country's first athlete to advance to the Championship's third round after winning the second round heats. Claiming victory over a Chinese surfer, Hisham secured second place in the event commenced yesterday.
Other local surfers, after failing to proceed to the second round are now set to join the playoffs to qualify for the third round.
"Such a large competition. I was very satisfied to have qualified for the third round in the first heat. By God's Will, I will try to improve for the third round as well," assured Hisham.
Hisham is a surfer included in the Maldives' B Team which, besides him, consists of Hassan Nasih and Ismail Rasheed (Smiley).
The Asian Surfing Championship this years acts as a qualifier stage for the Japan 2026 Asian Games with only A team surfers provided the chance to secure a slot in the Games.
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