Mangaluru to host sixth edition of Indian Open of Surfing from May 30 to June 1
The Indian Open of Surfing (IOS), the second stop in the national surfing championship series, is set to return for its sixth edition in Mangaluru from May 30 to June 1.
The three-day surfing competition will witness participation from India's top-ranked surfers in four categories: Men's Open, Women's Open, Groms Boys (U-16) and Groms Girls (U-16), its organisers, Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation, said in a release on Friday.
The Surfing Federation of India (SFI), the governing body for Surfing and Stand-Up Paddling in the country and recognised by the International Surfing Association, has announced the event to be held at Sasihitlu Beach.
The release added that the current edition of the IOS is significant 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.
It quoted Arun Vasu, president of the Surfing Federation of India, as saying: 'In 2024, our surfers created history by securing qualification spots for the Asian Games for the first time, marking a significant milestone that has elevated the sport's profile across the country. As we set our sights on Aichi-Nagoya 2026, the competition scheduled promises to be more intense than ever.'
Rammohan Paranjape, vice-president, SFI and director of Mantra Surf Club said: 'The sixth edition of IOS stands as a testament to the dedication and success of the previous editions. I hope this year's event is even more successful and impactful, especially as the sport has gained newfound recognition following our surfers' qualification for the Asian Games last year'.
Prior to the IOS, Surfing Swami Foundation, in collaboration with Panambur Surfing School, Mantra Surf Club, and Indica Surf School, will organise a 'grom search' at Mangaluru's Panambur beach. The initiative aims to identify and nurture young surfing talent from the coastal regions of Karnataka.
Focused on youth development, this event serves as a platform to scout promising young athletes and offer them a pathway into structured coaching programs, mentorship, and long-term development opportunities. The selected groms (young surfers) will be given access to professional training under the guidance of seasoned coaches and affiliated surf schools, helping them build not just sporting careers but also alternate livelihoods and a brighter future, the release said.
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