The seventh edition of the Indian Open of Surfing 2026 is set to unfold at Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Mangalore, Karnataka, from 29 to 31 May, with Asian Games selection stakes turning this year's event into one of the most consequential domestic surf competitions in Indian history. The tournament is a key stop on the national surfing series and arrives as surfing prepares for its historic debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later this year.

Asian Games Selection on the Line

India has secured two quota spots each in the Men's Open Shortboard and Women's Open Shortboard events for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, dramatically raising the stakes of every result this domestic season. As one of the final major events before the continental showpiece, the Indian Open is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping discussions around Team India selection. Performances on the Mangalore waves could prove decisive for athletes still building their case in the national evaluation process.

Men's Contenders to Watch

Ramesh Budihal arrives as one of the most decorated surfers in the country following a landmark run at the Asian Surfing Championships 2025 in Mahabalipuram, where he became the first Indian surfer to reach the Open Men's final and secured a historic bronze medal for the country. That result alone has cemented his standing as a frontrunner for Asian Games selection.

Sivaraj Babu enters Mangalore carrying strong momentum after clinching the Men's Open title at the inaugural Little Andaman Pro 2026, a result that reinforced his position among the country's leading surfers heading into this pivotal year. With only two places available in the Men's Open Shortboard event, his performance here could sharpen his selection credentials considerably.

Kishore Kumar, widely regarded as one of Indian surfing's brightest young talents, has built his reputation through a series of strong showings on the domestic circuit, including standout performances at previous Indian Open editions. He made history in 2024 by becoming the first Indian surfer to reach the semifinals of the Asian Surfing Championships in the Under-18 category, held in the Maldives. His rapid rise makes him one of the most watched names in Mangalore.

Srikanth D rounds out the men's contenders as a technically refined competitor known for his disciplined approach, clean execution, and composure in tightly contested heats. A consistent presence on the national circuit across multiple seasons, Srikanth has steadily built a reputation as one of the more reliable performers in high-pressure conditions.

Women's Field Equally Competitive

Kamali P, emerging from Tamil Nadu's thriving surfing ecosystem around Mahabalipuram, enters the championship as one of the most recognisable names in Indian women's surfing. She has consistently performed at the highest level domestically while also representing India on the international stage, making her a strong favourite in the women's draw.

Sugar Shanti Banarse, representing Goa, has steadily established herself as one of the strongest competitors in Indian women's surfing through a series of impressive national championship performances. Her presence adds considerable depth to what is expected to be a fiercely contested women's field, particularly with Asian Games selection positions directly at stake.

Why This Edition Matters

This is not merely another stop on the domestic calendar. Surfing's inclusion in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games marks a watershed moment for the sport in India, and the athletes competing at Tannirbhavi Beach this week are aware that a strong result could determine whether they represent the country on that continental stage. The Indian Open of Surfing has historically served as a proving ground — this year, it doubles as a selection battleground.