Exciting Start to the 7th NMPA Indian Open of Surfing in Mangaluru

The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing has officially begun in Mangaluru, attracting surfers nationwide. The event, crucial for national rankings and Asian Games selections, features thrilling competitions across various categories. With excellent conditions on the opening day, standout performances emerged, particularly in the Women's Open and junior divisions. The championship is supported by notable sponsors and aims to elevate surfing in India. Read on for more details about the competitors and the event's significance.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 30, 2026, 02:11 IST

NMPA Indian Open of Surfing Kicks Off

The seventh edition of the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing commenced at the picturesque Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Mangaluru on Friday, attracting surfers from all over the nation on its inaugural day.

This event is a significant part of the National Championship Series and plays a crucial role in the selection process for India's Asian Games team. The championship began under ideal surfing conditions, with clean waves and pleasant weather, creating a perfect environment for the country's elite surfers, as highlighted in a statement from the Surfing Federation of India (SFI).

In the Women's Open category, competitors Kamali Moorthy, Sugar Shanthi Banarse, Ishita Malaviya, Devi Ramanathan, Saanvi Hegde, and Shrishti Selvam have successfully advanced to the semi-finals, which are set for the championship's final day.

The event was officially launched with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, attended by notable figures including Abhayachandra Jain, former Minister for Fisheries, Youth Services, and Sports in Karnataka; Darshan HV, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada; and other dignitaries.

The ceremony also featured a vibrant Chenda drum performance, showcasing a popular folk art from coastal Karnataka, which added a unique local touch to the event.

On the first day of competition, events spanned across the Men's Open, Women's Open, Under-18 Boys, and Under-14 Boys categories. The Men's Open category completed its initial round across 12 heats, while the Women's Open progressed through the quarter-finals. The junior divisions also saw fierce competition, with the Under-18 Boys contesting their opening heats and the newly introduced Under-14 Boys category moving forward to the quarter-finals.

The day kicked off with the Men's Open category, featuring 45 surfers battling it out in 12 heats for a chance to qualify. The top two surfers from each heat advanced to Round 2, scheduled for Saturday.

Standout performances included Kishore Kumar (12.90), Ramesh Budihal (12.57), and Tayin Arun (12.10), among others, showcasing their skills in the challenging surf.

In the Women's Open quarter-finals, Kamali Moorthy from Tamil Nadu emerged as the highest scorer of the day with an impressive 13.83, followed closely by Sugar Shanthi Banarse from Goa with a score of 11.00, both securing their spots in the semi-finals.

Joining them in the semi-finals are Ishita Malaviya (6.40), Devi Ramanathan (5.90), Saanvi Hegde (5.37), and Shrishti Selvam (5.33).

The Surfing Juniors Under-18 Boys category also delivered thrilling action, with 19 surfers competing across six heats for a place in the quarter-finals. Qualified surfers included Harish P (12.67) and Tayin Arun (10.33), among others.

The day concluded with the quarter-finals of the newly introduced Surfing Juniors Under-14 Boys category, where Harish P (11.33) and others secured their spots in the semi-finals set for Saturday.

Shamanth Kumar, Secretary of the Karnataka Surfing Association, expressed, “The response from surfers and the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. The conditions on the opening day were excellent, setting a great tone for the championship. This event is vital for the national ranking system and India's preparations for future international competitions, including the Asian Games.”

Saurabh Verma, Manager of Athlete Relations at the Sports Authority of India, noted, “The growth of surfing in India has been remarkable in recent years. Events like this championship provide athletes with essential competitive exposure.”

The championship is organized by the Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation under the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), with support from the Karnataka Government and the Karnataka Surfing Association. The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) continues as the title sponsor for the third consecutive year, with Cycle Pure Agarbatti and Deconstruct Skincare as Gold Sponsors, highlighting the increasing institutional and corporate backing for surfing in India.