Indian Open of Surfing Returns for Sixth Edition at Sasihithlu Beach from May 30

The Surfing Federation of India (SFI), the official governing body for Surfing and Stand-Up Paddling in the country, recently announced the event. Recognized by the International Surfing Association, this prominent national competition will take place at Sasihithlu Beach in Mangalore, Karnataka, from May 30 to June 1. It will be hosted by the Mantra Surf Club and organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation.

Hyderabad: The Indian Open of Surfing (IOS), the second stop in the National Surfing Championship series, is set to return for its sixth edition.

The event was recently announced by the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), the governing body for Surfing and Stand-Up Paddling in the country. Recognised by the International Surfing Association, this prestigious national competition will be hosted by the Mantra Surf Club and organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation at Sasihithlu Beach in Mangalore (Karnataka) from May 30 to June 1.

The three-day premier surfing competition will witness participation from India’s top-ranked surfers in 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, held in April, the Indian Open of Surfing (IOS) serves as the second stop in the National Championship Series. Each event in the series carries crucial ranking points that determine the surfers’ standings at the end of the season.

Kishore Kumar, Harish Muthu, Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani are among the top surfers to watch at the Indian Open of Surfing, following their standout performances at the Asian Surfing Championship and the Maruhaba Cup in 2024. The year 2024 was a landmark for Indian surfing, with the national team earning a fifth place ranking in Asia and making a strong impression on the international stage.

Last year, India earned its first-ever surfing quotas for a multi-sport event, securing two spots for the 2026 Asian Games at the Asian Surf Championship 2024 in the Maldives – a milestone that marks a new era for surfing in the country.

The current edition of the Indian Open of Surfing holds significant importance, as it offers athletes the opportunity to boost their rankings and enhance their chances of qualifying for the Asian Surf Championship, the qualifier event for the 2026 Asian Games scheduled later this year.

Mr. Arun Vasu, President, Surfing Federation of India, said they were pleased to host the meet, marking a significant milestone that has elevated the sport’s profile across the country.

Mr. Rammohan Paranjape, Vice President, SFI and Director, Mantra Surf Club, said the championship would hold a special place in his heart, as they at Mantra Surf Club have been hosting and organizing it since its inception.