Indian Open of Surfing 2026: 80+ surfers from 6 states head to Mangalore
Synopsis
India's biggest domestic surfing event just became a selection trial. With surfing making its Asian Games debut in Aichi-Nagoya later this year, every heat at Mangalore's Tannirbhavi Beach from 29–31 May could decide who represents the country on the continental stage — raising the stakes of the seventh Indian Open of Surfing well beyond a national title.
Key Takeaways
The seventh Indian Open of Surfing 2026 runs from 29 to 31 May at Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach , Mangalore .
Over 80 surfers from six states — Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Goa — are expected to compete.
The event is widely regarded as the last major domestic trial before India selects its squad for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games , where surfing makes its continental debut.
It is the second stop in the National Championship Series , following the Little Andaman Pro 2026 .
Ramesh Budihal , India's first Open Men's finalist at the Asian Surfing Championships and a bronze medallist, is among the top contenders.
The Karnataka Government has backed the event for the seventh consecutive year .
The seventh edition of the Indian Open of Surfing 2026 is set to unfold at Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Mangalore from 29 to 31 May, drawing over 80 athletes from six states in what could be the most consequential domestic surfing event India has staged. With surfing set to make its continental debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games later this year, the three-day championship doubles as the last major national selection trial before India finalises its squad.
Why This Edition Carries Extra Weight
The Indian Open of Surfing, organised by the Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation under the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), has received Karnataka Government backing for the seventh consecutive year. This year it also serves as the second stop in the National Championship Series, following the inaugural Little Andaman Pro 2026 held earlier in the season — giving it direct bearing on domestic rankings.
With limited berths in India's Asian Games squad up for grabs, every heat at Tannirbhavi carries selection implications. Surfers from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Goa are expected to compete across six categories: Men's Open, Women's Open, Under-18 Boys, Under-18 Girls, Under-14 Boys, and Under-14 Girls.
Men's Contenders to Watch
Ramesh Budihal arrives as one of the event's most decorated competitors. He made history at the Asian Surfing Championships in Mahabalipuram by becoming the first Indian to reach the Open Men's final, claiming a bronze medal — a landmark result that raised the benchmark for Indian competitive surfing internationally.
Shivaraj Babu enters on the back of winning the Men's Open at the Little Andaman Pro 2026, the season's opening event. The Tamil Nadu surfer is noted for smart wave selection and tactical composure across varying conditions. A strong showing in Mangalore could significantly strengthen his Asian Games case.
Kishore Kumar has earned recognition in recent national competitions for technical precision and consistency under pressure, while Srikanth D brings a rhythm-driven, tactically refined style that has steadily elevated his national profile — particularly relevant as selection debates intensify.
Women's Field Set for a Competitive Showdown
Kamali P, who hails from the Mahabalipuram surfing ecosystem in Tamil Nadu, has represented India on international stages and remains one of the most consistent performers in domestic women's surfing. Her fluid wave-riding and tactical awareness make her a strong favourite at Tannirbhavi.
Sugar Shanti Banarse of Goa brings a fearless, adaptive style built on a strong national championship record. Her ability to read and respond to shifting surf conditions has bolstered her reputation both domestically and internationally in recent seasons.
Mangalore's Growing Surf Identity
Beyond the competitive stakes, the Indian Open has been instrumental in establishing Dakshina Kannada and Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach as emerging hubs for surfing and ocean sports in India. The event has contributed to the region's coastal tourism profile while accelerating the sport's growth along India's western coastline. Notably, Tamil Nadu surfers have dominated several recent national events, while Karnataka athletes are expected to leverage home conditions this week.
As India's surfing community edges toward a historic Asian Games debut, the Indian Open of Surfing 2026 represents far more than a domestic title — it is, for many competitors, a three-day audition for continental glory.
Point of View
But because it now feeds directly into Asian Games selection. That context transforms a three-day beach competition into a high-pressure audition, and the SFI would do well to make its selection criteria transparent before the heats begin. India's surfing talent pool is deepening — Tamil Nadu's consistency and Karnataka's home-ground depth are real — but the pathway from national champion to international competitor still lacks the institutional scaffolding that other Olympic sports take for granted. The Asian Games debut is an opportunity; whether it becomes a launchpad depends on what follows the medals.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Indian Open of Surfing 2026?
The Indian Open of Surfing 2026 takes place from 29 to 31 May 2026 at Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Mangalore, Karnataka. It is the seventh edition of the event and the second stop in the National Championship Series.
Why is the 2026 Indian Open of Surfing especially significant?
It is expected to be the last major domestic evaluation before India selects its squad for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where surfing will make its continental debut. Performances across the three-day event are likely to directly influence national team selection.
Who are the top surfers to watch at the 2026 Indian Open?
Ramesh Budihal, who became the first Indian to reach the Open Men's final at the Asian Surfing Championships and won a bronze medal, is among the leading contenders. Shivaraj Babu, winner of the Men's Open at the Little Andaman Pro 2026, and women's surfers Kamali P and Sugar Shanti Banarse are also expected to be in strong contention.
Which states are represented at the Indian Open of Surfing 2026?
Over 80 athletes from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Goa are expected to compete across six categories including Men's Open, Women's Open, and four age-group divisions.
Who organises the Indian Open of Surfing?
The event is organised by the Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation under the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), with support from the Karnataka Government, which has backed the championship for seven consecutive years.
