New Delhi, 31 March (H.S.):

The Surfing Federation of India announced the Little Andaman Pro 2026 – National Surf & SUP Championship, set for April 9-12, marking the start of India's competitive surfing season as the country prepares for its debut at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

India's top surfers and stand-up paddle (SUP) athletes will compete at the pristine Butler Bay Beach in the Andaman Islands, the first high-level event in this untouched coastal paradise. Senior categories in both surfing and SUP are open to elite national players, with registration already underway; TT Group joins as official sponsor.

This championship gains added significance in a landmark year for Indian surfing. The nation secured four quotas (two each for men and women) at the 2024-2025 Asian Surfing Championships, including Mahabalipuram's bronze medal, paving the way for Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

SFI President Arun Vasu called it a milestone, emphasizing reef break conditions at Little Andaman for skill-building: Competing here sharpens athletes for international waves while expanding surfing to coastal communities and youth. He highlighted grassroots growth, from team silvers to structured events.

Butler Bay's reef breaks offer long, clean waves ideal for technical maneuvers, challenging beach-break specialists. The 2026 National Circuit adds longboarding and spans Mumbai SUP (January start), Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and monsoon phases.

Beyond competition, the event promotes Andaman as a surfing hub with clear waters and reefs, fostering responsible tourism, local youth development, and environmental conservation aligned with the islands' policies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar