Mangalore, May 28: The Indian Open of Surfing 2026 is scheduled to take place from May 29 to 31 at the Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Mangalore. This seventh edition will feature top surfers from across the country.
This event, held just before the Asian Games, is of great significance. Competitions will include categories such as Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Under-18 Boys, Under-18 Girls, Under-14 Boys, and Under-14 Girls. More than 80 athletes from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Goa are expected to participate.
Organized by the Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation under the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), the Indian Open has gradually become a key event on the national sports calendar. The Karnataka government has supported this event for the seventh consecutive year.
With limited spots on the national team, competition has intensified in recent months. This has made the Indian Open one of the most important domestic surfing events in the country. Each heat in Mangalore is expected to have far-reaching implications, as selectors are continuously evaluating athletes in preparation for India’s debut in continental surfing.
This event will also serve as the second leg of the national championship series, following the first ‘Little Andaman Pro 2026’ held earlier this season, further enhancing its importance in domestic rankings.
All eyes in Mangalore will be on the surfers who have consistently dominated Indian competitions in recent seasons. Ramesh Budihal is among the top contenders, known for his significant achievements in Indian surfing. He made history by becoming the first Indian to reach the ‘Open Men’s’ final at the Asian Surfing Championship held in Mahabalipuram, where he won a bronze medal.
This achievement marked a significant success for Indian surfing on the international stage, establishing him as one of the country’s leading surfers.
Another surfer, Shivraj Babu, enters this championship with impressive momentum. He won the ‘Men’s Open’ title at the earlier ‘Little Andaman Pro’ held this year. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Shivraj is known for his strategic wave selection, consistent performance in various conditions, and disciplined approach during competitions.
Kishore Kumar is one of India’s most promising young surfers. He has gained recognition in recent national competitions for his technical skills, calm demeanor, and consistent performance even under pressure. His previous performances in the ‘Indian Open’ and excellent results in recent seasons have solidified his position as one of the country’s top surfers. This year could prove to be a pivotal one in his career.
Shrikant D remains a strong competitor, consistently recognized for his technically refined style. Rather than just showcasing aggressive maneuvers, he excels in rhythm, precise execution, and strategic acumen during tough competitions. His consistent performance in the national championship has significantly enhanced his reputation.
The women’s competition is also expected to attract considerable attention. Kamli P enters this championship as a prominent figure in Indian women’s surfing. From the surfing scene in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, she has represented India on international platforms. Her achievements have significantly contributed to increasing the visibility and recognition of women’s surfing across the country. With her effortless control over the waves and sharp strategic skills, she remains a strong contender in this competition.
Goa’s Sugar Shanti Banarse has established herself as one of the top female surfers in the country through her outstanding performances in national championships. Known for her fearless style and ability to adapt to changing surf conditions, Sugar has strengthened her position at both local and international levels in recent years. Her participation has heightened excitement for the highly competitive women’s competition at Tannirbhavi.
In addition to the water competitions, the ‘Indian Open of Surfing’ has become a major platform showcasing the rapid development of this sport along India’s coastlines. Recently, surfers from Tamil Nadu have excelled in various national competitions, while Karnataka surfers aim to leverage their local knowledge and the conditions at Tannirbhavi in this year’s event.
Leave a Comment