Mangalore, May 28: India’s top surfers will compete at the seventh edition of the Indian Open of Surfing 2026 in Mangalore from May 29 to 31, with the championship emerging as a crucial platform in the build-up to the country’s historic surfing debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later this year.
The national-level event, scheduled at Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Karnataka, has gained additional significance after the inaugural Little Andaman Pro 2026 earlier this season elevated the profile of the domestic surfing circuit and strengthened the Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ growing role in Indian surfing.
Organisers said the Indian Open will serve as the second stop of the National Championship Series and is expected to influence the final assessment process for India’s Asian Games squad. More than 80 surfers from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are expected to participate across Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Under-18 and Under-14 categories.
With limited places available in the national team, the championship has become one of the most closely watched domestic surfing competitions in recent years. Every heat at Tannirbhavi is expected to carry weight as selectors continue evaluating athletes ahead of the continental event.
The Indian Open is being organised by the Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI). The Karnataka Government has continued its support for the event for the seventh consecutive year.
The championship comes at a time when Indian surfing is witnessing rapid expansion along coastal regions, including emerging destinations such as Little Andaman, which hosted the inaugural Little Andaman Pro earlier this year. The event in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands drew attention to the islands’ growing importance in India’s surfing ecosystem and adventure sports tourism.
Among the top contenders in Mangalore is Ramesh Budihal, who created history at the Asian Surfing Championships in Mahabalipuram by becoming the first Indian surfer to reach the Open Men’s final and secure a bronze medal. His performances have positioned him among India’s leading surfers ahead of the Asian Games cycle.
Shivaraj Babu enters the championship after winning the Men’s Open title at the Little Andaman Pro 2026. Known for his consistency and strategic wave selection, the Tamil Nadu surfer is expected to remain a strong contender during the three-day competition.
Kishore Kumar and Srikanth D are also among the surfers expected to attract attention following a series of strong domestic performances in recent seasons.
In the women’s category, Kamali P and Goa’s Sugar Shanti Banarse are set to headline the competition. Kamali has represented India internationally and remains one of the most recognised names in Indian women’s surfing, while Sugar has gained prominence through consistent performances at national events.
Officials said the championship has also contributed to positioning coastal Karnataka as an emerging hub for ocean sports and surfing tourism. At the same time, the success of events such as the Little Andaman Pro has highlighted the tourism and sporting potential of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands within India’s growing surfing landscape.
As India prepares for its first appearance in surfing at the Asian Games, the Indian Open of Surfing 2026 is expected to serve as a defining stage for athletes seeking national selection and international exposure.
