Yoosuf Kayan Hamdhan Zaki, a 14-year-old surfer, has made history by becoming the youngest member of the Maldives senior national surfing team. This is the first time a junior surfer has earned a spot on the senior squad.
Kayan secured his place by ranking sixth in this year’s National League standings, guaranteeing his position in the 2024 senior squad. His achievements include topping the junior rankings in 2022, reaching the finals in an open division event this year, and advancing to the semi-finals of the Asian Surfing Championships.
Notable performances include a runner-up finish at the Muleekolhu Raalhugandu event in Meemu Muli, quarter-finals at the Kalhegalekodaa tournament in Gaafu Dhaalu Gadhdhoo, and semi-finals at the Randha Raalhugandu event in Kaafu Thulusdhoo.
The Maldives Surfing Association (MSA) selects the senior team based on National League rankings. Joining Kayan in the 2024 squad are league champion Hood Ahmed, Ismail Miglal (Kuda Issey), Najaah Mohamed, Ismail Rasheed, and Ahmed Agil.
This year also saw junior surfers improve in the senior rankings, with Kayan Abdulla Areef finishing seventh, Yaseen Ahmed Nasheed eighth, and junior league champion Mohamed Inan Abdul Hannaan placing ninth.
