India’s surfing circuit will witness a significant moment this week as the seventh edition of the ‘Indian Open of Surfing 2026’ begins at Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Mangalore from May 29 to 31.
The championship arrives at a crucial time as surfing prepares for its debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later this year.
More than 80 surfers from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Goa will compete across Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Under-18 Boys, Under-18 Girls, Under-14 Boys, and Under-14 Girls categories.
Organisers expect fierce competition as limited national team positions remain available for the Asian Games squad.
The event, organised by Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation under the Surfing Federation of India, has steadily evolved into a major national sporting fixture.
The Karnataka government has supported the competition for seven consecutive years.
Surfers including Ramesh Budihal, Shivaraj Babu, Kishore Kumar, and Srikanth D will headline the men’s division.
Budihal previously created history after becoming the first Indian to reach the Open Men’s final at the Asian Surfing Championships in Mahabalipuram, where he secured a bronze medal.
The women’s field will feature leading surfers Kamali P and Sugar Shanti Banarse, both recognised for consistent performances nationally and internationally.
The championship also serves as the second stop in the National Championship Series following the Little Andaman Pro 2026.
Officials believe the event will further strengthen Mangalore and Dakshina Kannada’s reputation as emerging hubs for surfing and coastal sports tourism in India.
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