A new documentary celebrating one of the Maldives’ most influential sporting figures is now available to watch on YouTube.
KUDA AYYA: The Maldivian Bodyboarding Prodigy (2025) chronicles the remarkable career of bodyboarding icon Ali Khushruwan, widely known as Kuda Ayya.
The film is produced and directed by filmmaker Ali Amir, also known as Ali Aerials, whose work continues to push Maldivian sports storytelling onto a global stage.
"Adhadhu Sports" sat down with Amir for an exclusive conversation about the inspiration, process, and message behind the documentary.
The inspiration behind the project
According to Ali, the documentary was conceived as more than a sports profile. His goal was to highlight a Maldivian who has built a lasting legacy not only as an athlete, but as an individual whose influence stretches beyond competition. The defining spark came in 2022, when Amir saw a photograph of Kuda Ayya competing at the IBC Maldives Pro, captured mid-barrel with a smile on his face. To Ali, the image perfectly reflected Ayya’s character, an athlete living the dream of competing alongside the very legends he once admired.
That moment, combined with the consistent praise Ali had heard from friends and family about Ayya’s humility and character, solidified the idea. As one of the most decorated sportsmen the Maldives has produced, Ayya has represented the nation across numerous local and international platforms, bringing pride with every appearance. His resilience, commitment, and longevity became the driving force behind the project, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of athletes across all disciplines.
A two-year journey from concept to release
The documentary took approximately two years to complete, a timeline Ali describes as essential to fully understanding the person behind the athlete. One of the most important phases of production took place during the Maldivian stop of the IBC World Tour 2023, where Ali had the rare opportunity to shadow Ayya throughout the competition.
That experience allowed the production team to observe the mindset and routines of an elite competitor from the inside, while also working alongside world champions and internationally renowned media professionals.
Another standout moment came when Ayya personally walked the team through his collection of awards, sharing the stories and sacrifices behind each one. For Ali, that scene captured the emotional core of the documentary, emphasizing that the journey mattered more than the trophies themselves.
Kuda Ayya’s openness on camera
Despite initial concerns about how open Ayya might be on camera, Ali says the bodyboarding legend embraced the project wholeheartedly.
Ayya welcomed the chance to reflect on his career and supported the filmmaker’s vision from the outset. As filming progressed, it became clear that his openness and generosity were simply part of who he is.
Ali notes that Ayya is the kind of athlete who never holds back when it comes to helping or inspiring others. That willingness to share, both professionally and personally, helped elevate the interviews and gave the documentary its depth and authenticity.
A deeply personal production
While the scale of the documentary was ambitious, Ali credits its success to a close-knit and dedicated team. The core production crew consisted entirely of his own family, giving the project a deeply personal foundation.
During post-production, Shafi Ali (Thaathi) played key role in sound design and music supervision, refining the smallest details that shaped the final film. Also, Hassan Rasheedh (Rash) took part in the documentary to share the journey of Kuda Ayya, in the aspects of Maldives Bodyboarding Associaton (MBBA).
The documentary also features original musical contributions that add cultural depth, along with archival footage and photographs shared by members of the community. Ali expressed particular gratitude to Ayya’s family, whose support and trust were instrumental throughout the process.
The message at the heart of the film
At its core, "KUDA AYYA: The Maldivian Bodyboarding Prodigy" delivers a clear message: success is built through determination, discipline, and belief. Ali hopes the film shows that achievements rarely come easily or instantly, and that setbacks are an essential part of any meaningful journey.
More importantly, the documentary aims to remind young viewers that their dreams are valid, regardless of how distant they may seem. Whether in sport or any other field, progress comes from consistency, learning from failure, and refusing to give up. Amir believes that if the film inspires even one person to pursue their passion with greater confidence, it has fulfilled its purpose.
