Kuda Ayya wins first official Maldivian bodyboarding competition – SurferToday

Posted On: December 23, 2019

The National Bandufilaa Challenge 2019 was the first contest held in the country since the organization was founded in 2015.

The event was scheduled to start on December 10 but, due to rough weather conditions, it was on hold until December 17 at Raalhugandu in Male City.

Forty-one participants from 11 islands and nine atolls of the Maldives competed across two divisions: prone men and prone junior.

Ali Khushruwan Ahmed, also known as Kuda Ayya, won the main event. The 33-year-old is one of the best Maldivian riders of his generation.

“We had challenging conditions, but the event was a success with many talented young faces with promising bodyboarding careers,” expressed Kuda Ayya.

Ali “Kirika” Anim, 19, finished runner-up, while Ahmed “Loabi” Nazmeen, 22, finished third.

Maldivian President Presented the Trophies

In the junior category, Mohamed Reeshan Rasheed took the top honors after beating Ahnaf Naphko and Inash Naeem in the final.

“Dreams can become a reality. Make it happen. Shock everyone! I said I could, and I would, and I did it. It’s my first win, and I won’t forget it!” added the young gun from Male City.

“It was a big challenge, and I struggled to find a way to come this far. I had to fight some of the best and talented bodyboarders from the Maldives.”

“It’s been a long competitive year, and before being competitors, we are humans, and our results often represent how we emotional feel. Most important is never to give up!”

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the President of the Maldives, joined the closing ceremony and presented the trophies to the newly crowned champions.