Mangaluru, May 23 (NationPress) The Indian Open of Surfing (IOS), recognized as the second stage in the National Surfing Championship series, is confirmed for its sixth edition, as announced by the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), the governing authority for Surfing and Stand-Up Paddling in the nation.

Affiliated with the International Surfing Association, this prestigious competition will be hosted by the Mantra Surf Club and executed by the Surfing Swami Foundation. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Sasihithlu Beach in Mangaluru, Karnataka, the event is scheduled to occur from May 30 to June 1.

This three-day premier surfing event will feature participation from India’s elite surfers across four categories: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Groms (U-16) Boys, and Groms (U-16) Girls.

Following the International Surfing Festival Kerala Varkala 2025, which took place in April, the Indian Open of Surfing serves as the second event in the National Championship Series. This competition promises thrilling action and intense rivalry between surfers from India's eastern and western coasts. Each event within the series is pivotal, offering critical ranking points that will influence the surfers’ standings at season's end.

In a historic achievement last year, India secured its first-ever surfing quotas for a multisport event, clinching two spots for the 2026 Asian Games at the Asian Surf Championship 2024 in the Maldives - a significant milestone for the sport's development in the country.

The current edition of the Indian Open of Surfing provides athletes with a chance to improve their rankings and increase their chances of qualifying for the Asian Surf Championship, which is a qualification event for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games.

Arun Vasu, president of the Surfing Federation of India, stated, "We are thrilled to announce the sixth edition of the Indian Open of Surfing — the leading surfing event on the west coast since its inception. In 2024, our surfers made history by securing qualification spots for the Asian Games for the first time, marking a monumental moment that has raised the profile of the sport nationwide. As we aim for Aichi-Nagoya 2026, the competition is expected to be fiercer than ever.

Key surfers to watch at the Indian Open of Surfing include Kishore Kumar, Harish Muthu, Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani, following their impressive performances at the Asian Surfing Championship and the Maruhaba Cup in 2024. These athletes have also garnered numerous national championship titles in recent years. The year 2024 was a landmark for Indian surfing, with the national team achieving a 5th place ranking in Asia and making a remarkable impact on the global stage.

Rammohan Paranjape, vice president of SFI and Director of the Mantra Surf Club, shared, "This championship is very dear to me, as we at Mantra Surf Club have been hosting and organizing it since its beginning. Over the years, we’ve received outstanding support from the Government of Karnataka and various corporate partners. I hope this year’s event is even more successful and impactful, especially considering the sport's newfound recognition following our surfers’ qualification for the Asian Games last year.

Before the Indian Open of Surfing, the Surfing Swami Foundation, in collaboration with Panambur Surfing School, Mantra Surf Club, and Indica Surf School, will conduct a Grom Search at Mangalore’s Panambur Beach. This initiative aims to discover and nurture young surfing talent from Karnataka's coastal areas.

The selected groms (young surfers) will receive professional training under the guidance of experienced coaches and affiliated surf schools, helping them build not only sporting careers but also alternative livelihoods and a brighter future.