Hantey crowned freestyle champion in historic Fulhangi Challenge final

The freestyle division of the Baa Goidhoo Council Fulhangi Challenge 2026, taking place from 28 June to 5 July, concluded today with what judges described as one of the most memorable freestyle finals ever held in the Maldives, as Baa Goidhoo’s own Hassan Mahir, popularly known as Hantey, claimed the championship title.

Widely regarded as one of the Maldives’ leading professional kiteboarders and watersports athletes, Hantey lived up to his reputation with a commanding performance in the final, finishing with 25.00 points. Raaif Shaneez secured second place with 21.41 points, while Mamnoon Niyaz finished third with 16.20 points. Abdulla Shafee placed fourth.

Head Judge Mohamed Abdu Rahmaan popularly known in the watersports community as Boabulhi, praised the standard of competition, describing the final as a worthy freestyle final and one that will be remembered in the history of the sport. The judging panel also comprised Adam Faisal, Asim, Mohamed Fulhu (Simbe), Ahmed Hamdhaan (Hambe), Hassan Nizam (Kade) and Ali Abdul Gafoor (Gabbe), who collectively commended the exceptional quality of performances throughout the freestyle event.

The freestyle competition officially opened this year’s Fulhangi Challenge, treating spectators to spectacular aerial maneuvers, technical tricks and precise board control. The high standard of riding highlighted the continued growth of kiteboarding and wind sports in the Maldives and set the tone for the remainder of the championship.

Attention now turns to the championship’s main events, with the Freestyle Slalom and Downwind Slalom races set to begin tomorrow. Featuring more than 30 competitors from across the Maldives, the racing disciplines are expected to deliver intense competition as athletes battle for the national titles before the championship concludes on 5 July.

The Baa Goidhoo Council Fulhangi Challenge 2026 is supported by Aqua Cube and KTI Investment as Co-Sponsors, Sun Siyam Media as Media Partner, Atoll Cute as Travel Partner, and Dhiraagu as Digital Partner. Additional sponsors include Ocean Rider, Muraka, Island Apparels, Olive Goidhoo, The Corbin Guest House, Coral Castle, Athiri Residences, Island Zephyr, Lantyz Garden, Cafe De Beach, Mula Maldives, Redbull and Premier Property. The championship is being broadcast live on Sun Play meanwhile information about heats, athletes, scores is regularly updated on liveheats.com BGC Fulhangi Challenege tabs online.