Surfing in India is still not something many people take seriously enough,but this Indian Open of Surfing 2026 feels like one event where that attitude may slowly change . And honestly,with Asian Games selection pressure also sitting in background,this is not just beach sport fun ah.
The championship is happening from May 29 to 31 at Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Mangalore . This will be seventh edition,and over 80 surfers from six states are expected to compete,Karnataka,Kerala,Tamil Nadu,Telangana,Andhra Pradesh,and Goa.
And timing makes whole thing more interesting . Surfing is preparing for its debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later this year,so performances here will not be seen casually. For many athletes,this may be last big domestic chance to show selectors what they can do .
Event is being organized by Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation under Surfing Federation of India (SFI) . Karnataka Government has also supported Indian Open for seventh consecutive year,which says something about how this sport is slowly getting proper space in India.
Few things standing out clearly this time:
- Over 80 surfers from six states will compete at Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Mangalore.
- Categories will run from Under-14 to Open categories .
- Performances here can influence squad selection for Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later this year .
And tbh,all eyes will naturally go toward Ramesh Budihal . He already made history at Asian Surfing Championships by becoming first Indian to reach Open Men’s final and winning bronze medal. That kind of result changes expectations,not small thing.
But he is not alone in this race. Shivaraj Babu recently won Men’s Open at inaugural Little Andaman Pro,and Kishore Kumar is also being watched closely because of his technical skill and composure. Young surfers coming with calm mindset under pressure always make competition more exciting.
Women’s side also looks strong this year . Kamali P and Sugar Shanti Banarse are expected to be among main names. Kamali,from Mahabalipuram surfing scene,has done well again and again in national competitions,while Sugar is known for fearless style and adaptability.
What I like about this event is that it shows Indian surfing is not just one small coastal hobby anymore . There is structure,there are names people are starting to remember,and now there is Asian Games pressure also. But whether this momentum actually turns into stronger Indian team on bigger stage… that question is still hanging there.
