Seeking glory at Asian championships

Nazrin riding the waves.

WITH their sights set on victory, Mohd Nazrin Nasruddin and Mohd Suhaimi Hassan are representing Malaysia in the ASF Asian Surfing Championships 2023.

The duo from Persatuan Luncur Ombak Malaysia (PLOM) are in Thulusdhoo, Maldives, to compete in the men’s shortboard category at the competition that ends on July 17.

PLOM president Nur Hawani N said the men’s participation was a significant step for the duo and the sport of surfing in Malaysia.

“This competition gives them an invaluable opportunity to compete on a larger stage and gain exposure.

“We hope that Nazrin and Suhaimi’s participation will inspire others in Malaysia to take up surfing,” she said at a press conference in Shah Alam before their departure.

Nazrin, 29, and Suhaimi, 28, are the country’s top two surfers in the men’s shortboard category.

They previously represented Malaysia at the 30th SEA Games in the Philippines in 2019.

Suhaimi (left) and Nazrin are representing Malaysia in the men’s shortboard category. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star

Nazrin and Suhaimi said their outing at the championships would be their most significant competition to date.

Suhaimi said the competition brought together surfers from 19 countries.

“It’s going to be tough with formidable opponents from Indonesia and Japan, but we are committed to giving our best to bring glory to our nation.

“We aim to raise the profile of surfing in Malaysia while promoting surf schools and training programmes in the country,” he said.