New Delhi, September 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
From seeing her childhood story reach global audiences through a documentary to preparing to compete in India’s first Asian Games surfing campaign, 16-year-old Kamali Moorthy is ready to turn another remarkable chapter of her journey into reality at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Weeks away from her 17th birthday, the Mahabalipuram surfer will spearhead India’s four-member surfing team when the sport makes its Asian Games debut at Pacific Long Beach in Tahara, Aichi, with competition scheduled to begin on September 25.
Kamali, currently India’s No. 1-ranked woman in shortboard, is no stranger to the spotlight. Her story with her single mother, Suganthi, was featured in a 24-minute short film that was nominated in the short film category at the 2020 British Academy Film Awards and also shortlisted for the Oscars.
Her sporting journey, however, has extended well beyond the screen.
Kamali first stepped onto a surfboard at the age of three, inspired by her uncle and surfing instructor Santhosh Moorthy. What began as a childhood pursuit gradually developed into a competitive career.
“I have worked so hard to reach this stage, and now it’s time to believe in myself and enjoy every moment. No matter what happens, I’ll give everything I have and make our country proud,” Kamali told SAI Media.
Her competitive breakthrough came in 2023 when she won both the Women’s Open and U-16 Girls titles at the Indian Open of Surfing. In 2024, she became the national champion and successfully defended both titles at the 2025 Indian Open of Surfing.
Kamali has continued her strong run in 2026, winning the Women’s Open at the Little Andaman Pro and securing gold in both the Women’s Open and U-18 Girls categories at the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing.
She also played an important role in India’s qualification for the Asian Games. At the 2024 Asian Surfing Championships in the Maldives, her performance contributed to India securing its historic qualification for surfing at the continental event.
She was subsequently selected alongside Goa’s Sugar Shanthi Banarse for India’s maiden Asian Games surfing team.
“So excited for this journey. Endless training, sacrifices, challenges, and countless hours of practice have made this Asian Games possible. Every drop of sweat and every difficult day was worth it. I’m truly happy, proud, and grateful for how far we’ve come. This is just the beginning, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got,” Kamali said.
Surfing is among six sports making their Asian Games debut in Japan. India will compete against established surfing nations such as Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. The event also carries significance beyond the Asian Games, with quota opportunities for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics at stake.
Kamali’s development has been supported through the Union Sports Ministry’s Annual Calendar for Training and Competition scheme, including financial assistance for her participation in the 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Peru and the Asian Pro-Am Surf Series in China.
Now, as she prepares to take on the waves at Pacific Long Beach, the teenager whose childhood journey once captivated audiences on screen is ready for a very different stage — the real-life challenge of representing India at the Asian Games.
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