Mangaluru: Indian surfing is set to witness one of its most significant domestic events this week as the seventh edition of the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing 2026 gets underway at the Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach from May 29 to 31.
The prestigious championship, considered a key event on the national surfing circuit, assumes greater importance this year as India prepares for surfing’s debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later in 2026. The three-day competition is expected to bring together some of the country’s finest surfers in what could prove to be a decisive selection platform ahead of the continental event.
According to organisers, more than 80 surfers from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Goa are expected to participate in the tournament across multiple age and competition categories.
Championship features multiple categories
The competition will feature events in the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Under-18 Boys, Under-18 Girls, Under-14 Boys and Under-14 Girls categories.
The championship is being organised by the Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India.
Over the years, the Indian Open of Surfing has steadily grown into one of the flagship competitions on the national calendar and has played a crucial role in promoting surfing culture along India’s coastline.
The Karnataka government has continued its support for the championship for the seventh consecutive year, while the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has returned as the title sponsor for the third straight edition.
Asian Games selection adds pressure
This year’s championship carries added significance as it is expected to serve as one of the final major domestic assessment events before India finalises its surfing squad for the Asian Games.
With limited slots available in the national team, performances at the Indian Open are likely to play a key role in the selection process. Every heat during the competition is expected to be closely watched by selectors evaluating surfers for India’s maiden appearance in surfing at the Asian Games level.
The event also marks the second stop of the National Championship Series following the inaugural Little Andaman Pro 2026 held earlier this season.
Surfing enthusiasts and officials believe the growing recognition of surfing at international multi-sport events has significantly raised the competitive standards within India’s domestic circuit.
Top surfers set for intense battle
Among the leading contenders in the Men’s Open category is Ramesh Budihal, who recently created history at the Asian Surfing Championships in Mahabalipuram by becoming the first Indian surfer to reach the Open Men’s final before securing a bronze medal.
His achievement has been viewed as a breakthrough moment for Indian surfing internationally, and he enters the tournament as one of the strongest favourites.
Another major contender is Shivaraj Babu, who won the Men’s Open title at the inaugural Little Andaman Pro earlier this year. Known for his tactical discipline and consistency across varying wave conditions, Shivaraj is expected to be among the leading challengers at Tannirbhavi.
Young surfer Kishore Kumar has also emerged as one of the brightest prospects in Indian surfing. His technical precision and composure under pressure have earned him growing recognition on the national circuit.
Meanwhile, Srikanth D is another surfer attracting attention due to his refined technique and tactical approach during competitions.
Women’s competition promises strong contest
The Women’s Open category is also expected to witness intense competition featuring some of India’s top female surfers.
Kamali P enters the championship as one of the biggest names in Indian women’s surfing. Emerging from Tamil Nadu’s Mahabalipuram surfing ecosystem, Kamali has represented India internationally and remains one of the strongest performers on the domestic circuit.
Her achievements have also played a major role in improving the visibility and popularity of women’s surfing across the country.
Goa surfer Sugar Shanti Banarse will also be among the key contenders. Known for her fearless surfing style and adaptability in changing wave conditions, Sugar has consistently impressed in national-level competitions.
Tannirbhavi emerges as surfing destination
Apart from the sporting action, the Indian Open of Surfing has also contributed significantly towards establishing Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach and Dakshina Kannada district as emerging centres for surfing and ocean sports in India.
The event has helped boost the coastal region’s sporting identity while also promoting tourism and adventure sports along Karnataka’s coastline.
While Tamil Nadu surfers have dominated several national competitions in recent years, Karnataka surfers will look to utilise local familiarity and home conditions to challenge strongly at this year’s championship.
As India moves closer to its historic Asian Games surfing debut, the stakes surrounding the Indian Open of Surfing 2026 extend beyond domestic titles and rankings.
For many athletes competing at Tannirbhavi this week, the championship could represent a crucial opportunity to secure a place on one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages.
