Lucas relish opportunity to face world-class surfers in Japan

Malaysia's Lucas Wehle and Mona Rasidah are set to participate in a historic surfing event during the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, as the sport officially makes its debut at the competition. The surfing tournament will take place from September 25-28 at Pacific Long Beach, also known as Akabane Long Beach, in Tahara. This event also serves as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

For 17-year-old Lucas, this is an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the highest level of Asian competition after Malaysia qualified for the Asian Regional Championships in India last year. Lucas will face off against world-class surfers such as Japan's Olympic silver medallist Kanoa Igarashi, Connor O Leary, and Indonesia's world junior champion Bronson Meidy.

Despite the prospect of competing against seasoned surfers, Lucas remains undaunted, stating that their presence has only fueled his determination to perform at his best. To prepare for the competition, Lucas has been training at the venue and has faced a variety of wave conditions, ranging from knee-high waves to powerful typhoon swells.

He believes that his preparation in Portugal and Bali has given him the necessary skills to handle any conditions during the event. While Lucas is one of the youngest surfers in the competition, Mona Rasidah, at 41 years old, provides a stark contrast in experience. However, Lucas sees their age difference as insignificant, emphasizing that age does not define a surfer's potential.

He views Mona as another athlete striving for the best possible performance. Lucas credits his family, school, and coaches in Portugal and Bali for their support in reaching this stage of his surfing career. He also credits the National Sports Council and Malaysian Surfing Association for their belief in him as he prepares to participate in the Asian Games for the first time.