Mangaluru (Karnataka), May 28 (H.S.): Indian surfing is set to enter one of the most significant phases in its history as the seventh edition of the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing 2026, one of the marquee tournaments of the national surfing circuit, will be held from May 29 to 31 at Blue Flag Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Mangaluru. Over the course of the three-day prestigious championship, the country’s top surfers will battle for national titles and strengthen their claims for selection to the Asian Games.

The tournament assumes special significance as it is being held ahead of surfing’s historic debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later this year. More than 80 surfers from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Goa, among other states, will compete across the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Under-18 Boys, Under-18 Girls, Under-14 Boys and Under-14 Girls categories.

Organised by the Mantra Surf Club and the Surfing Swami Foundation under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India, the event has steadily strengthened its identity as one of the premier surfing championships on the national calendar. The Government of Karnataka has extended support to the tournament for the seventh consecutive year, while the New Mangalore Port Authority continues as the title sponsor for the third straight year.

This year’s Indian Open Championship is being viewed as the final major domestic evaluation event before the selection of the Indian team for the Asian Games. Competition for the limited spots has intensified, and every heat in Mangaluru could play a decisive role in the selection process.

The tournament will also serve as the second leg of this season’s National Championship Series, following the successful staging of the ‘Little Andaman Pro 2026’.

A major spotlight will be on Ramesh Budihal, who recently scripted history by winning a bronze medal at the Asian Surfing Championship held in Mahabalipuram. He became the first Indian surfer to qualify for the Open Men’s final at the continental event. His ability to deliver under pressure makes him one of the strongest contenders for the title.

Shivraj Babu is also in outstanding form after clinching the Men’s Open title at this year’s ‘Little Andaman Pro’. His tactical understanding and consistency place him firmly among the favourites.

Kishore Kumar is widely regarded as one of the rising stars of Indian surfing. In recent national competitions, he has impressed with his technical proficiency and composure under pressure.

Apart from them, Srikanth D is also expected to pose a formidable challenge. His technically refined style and sharp tactical awareness make him one of the most dangerous competitors in the field.

In the women’s category, Kamali P remains one of the most talked-about names. Emerging from the Mahabalipuram surfing circuit, Kamali has represented India at the international level and consistently delivered strong performances in domestic competitions.

Goa’s Sugar Shanti Banarse is also considered a strong contender in the women’s division. Her fearless performances across varying conditions set her apart from the rest of the field.

The Indian Open of Surfing is no longer just a sporting competition but has become a symbol of India’s rapidly growing surfing culture. The tournament has played a key role in establishing Dakshina Kannada and Blue Flag Tannirbhavi Eco Beach as one of the country’s leading ocean sports destinations.

With Indian surfing now on the verge of making its historic debut at the Asian Games, the significance of this year’s Indian Open Championship extends far beyond national titles. Over the next three days on the Karnataka coast, the country’s finest surfers will battle not only for domestic supremacy but also for the opportunity to represent India on Asia’s biggest sporting stage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar