Lucas Wehle (main image), is one step closer to representing Malaysia at next year’s Asian Games after being selected to compete in next month’s Asian Surfing Federation Championship in India.
The 16-year-old will take part in the Men’s Open and Junior Shortboard Open categories at the championship, which will be held in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, from Aug 3 to 12. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games.
Lucas is currently training in Cimaja, West Java, Indonesia, alongside five other national surfers under coach Muhammad Muttakin Talib.
“I’m so excited to be part of the national team. It’s a dream come true to don Malaysian colours,” said an elated Lucas.
At the end of last year, Lucas competed in four local tournaments, winning two – the Cherating International Surfing Cup (Under-16) and Kejora Surfing Cup (Under-16). He also finished third in the Tioman Surf Festival (Under-18) and fifth in the Rip Curl Grom Search (Under-18).
These performances earned him the No. 1 national ranking in the Under-18 category.
“It has always been my dream to represent Malaysia. I’m just weeks away from doing so. I hope to win both my competitions and go on to compete in the Asian Games,” he said.
Lucas is pursuing his high school diploma through an international education system that allows him to study online while travelling for training and competitions.
“The ultimate goal is the Olympics, but for now I’m focused on India. I’m juggling education and training. It’s tough, but I’m enjoying it because I’m doing what I love.”
Surfing will make its Asian Games debut in Nagoya, Japan, but has been part of the Olympics since the Tokyo Games in 2020.
Lucas was born in Kuala Lumpur but lives in Ericeira, about 30 minutes from Lisbon, Portugal, with his Malaysian mother, Petrina Reddy, and German father, Mario Wehle.
Last September, he told Twentytwo13 about his desire to represent Malaysia at the highest level, starting with the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Little did he realise how quickly that dream would begin to materialise.
Earlier this month, he was invited by Surfing Malaysia to be part of its ‘Special Olympics Sport Project 3’ for 2025.
Mario said the family is working hard to secure funding to ensure Lucas receives the best possible coaching.
“As we are based in Europe, it can be quite expensive to travel to Asia. We are grateful to Surfing Malaysia and the local government agencies for their support of Lucas and the rest of the team,” said Mario.
“Surfing is still in its infancy in Malaysia, so understandably, it may be harder to get sponsorship at this stage. But I believe it has the potential to grow significantly.
“Hopefully, we can win some medals in India, and that will help attract corporate sponsors.”
Mario added that surfing is a global lifestyle, with more than 23 million surfers worldwide and a projected market value of US$4.8 billion by 2027.
“The surfing industry offers brands a gateway to an eco-conscious, highly engaged audience. It spans continents, generates over US$7 billion in surf tourism, and supports more than 550,000 jobs globally.
“It’s a perfect opportunity for brands to be part of this exciting journey.”
