Maldivian Ali Hushruvan (Kuda Ayya) has won at the Tioman Surf Festival 2019 held in Malaysia.

This was the first competition Kuda Ayya participated in since recovering from his injuries.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, Kuda Ayya said that he has remained away from competitions for two years and that his win at the surf festival is also a victory for Maldivians, adding that this proves that Maldivians are still the regional champions.

Ali Javed (Jaattey), who won second place, told RaajjeMV that he has fulfilled his goal of making it to the finals.

He also said that Maldivian athletes need support to take these opportunities and compete in bigger tournaments. Noting that Maldivians have won other regionals, he said that they have the capacity to compete in the world tour, if given the chance.

35 of the best athletes in neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore competed in this surfing event.

Maldivian surfers and bodyboarders have notably been receiving many accolades in regional competitions.