New Delhi, March 31 (NationPress) The Surfing Federation of India officially unveiled the launch of the Little Andaman Pro 2026 – National Surf & SUP Championship, set to take place from April 9-12.

The Little Andaman Pro 2026 will kickstart an eagerly awaited season for Indian surfing, coinciding with the nation’s inaugural participation in the Asian Games 2026 in Japan later this year. This four-day surfing event will showcase India’s elite surfers and stand-up paddlers competing for top honors at the picturesque Butler Bay Beach in the Andaman Islands.

Supported by Andaman and Nicobar Tourism and organized by the Surfing Federation of India, the competition aims to unite the country’s best surfers in the Senior Division across Surfing and Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) categories, with registrations currently in progress. The TT Group has signed on as the official sponsor for the Surfing Federation of India.

India made history by securing its first Asian Games quota during the 2024 Asian Surfing Championships, building on this success at the 2025 edition in Mahabalipuram, ultimately clinching four slots for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, split evenly between the men’s and women’s categories.

“This represents a significant milestone for Indian surfing. As we prepare for our debut at the Asian Games later this year, launching the national season at a premier location like Little Andaman emphasizes our commitment to promote surfing across our coastline-rich nation. We are dedicated to providing more competitive opportunities for our talented athletes in varying conditions, which is vital for their international growth. Surfing thrives on community, and as we expand into the Andaman, we aim to create chances for local communities, nurture upcoming talent, and establish India as a formidable player in global surfing,” stated Arun Vasu, President of the Surfing Federation of India.

Vasu further remarked, “The advancements of Indian surfers on the world stage have been remarkably promising. With our first Asian Games quotas and medals at continental championships, we are witnessing the benefits of a committed grassroots development approach and structured competitions.”

The Little Andaman Pro 2026 will occur at Butler Bay, known as one of India’s most exciting surf spots. Unlike many mainland beach breaks, Butler Bay’s reef break provides long, clean waves that enable surfers to perform intricate maneuvers and extend their rides, ideal for high-performance competitions.

For numerous Indian surfers who primarily train on beach breaks, competing in reef conditions offers a valuable chance to enhance their technical abilities and gain competitive experience. Events like this are crucial for bolstering the national talent pipeline and equipping athletes for international challenges.

Beyond the competition, the championship also seeks to promote the Andaman Islands as a prospective hub for surfing and ocean sports in India. With its pristine waters, vibrant coral reefs, and reliable swell patterns, Little Andaman is increasingly capturing the interest of surfers and adventure tourism stakeholders. This initiative aims to spark local youth involvement and contribute to sustainable development through sports.

In recent years, Indian surfers have progressively enhanced their visibility on the global scene. The national team achieved its first-ever team silver at the Asian Surfing Championships, alongside various notable performances, including semi-final and quarter-final placements, underscoring the nation’s increasing competitiveness against established Asian surfing countries.

The Surfing Federation of India has also launched a comprehensive 2026 Annual Competition Calendar for Surf and Stand-Up Paddle (SUP), featuring an unprecedented number of events across the country.

The national circuit will include multiple stops throughout the year, commencing with early-season competitions like the Mumbai SUP Championship in January, followed by pivotal national events from April onwards, encompassing locations in Little Andaman, renowned surf regions like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and additional events scheduled for mid-year and post-monsoon periods, ensuring consistent competitive exposure for athletes.

Adding to the excitement, 2026 will also see the introduction of the Longboarding Division in the national competition circuit, providing opportunities for athletes specializing in classic surfing techniques and traditional wave riding styles.