Latest news with #IndianOpenofSurfing
Hans India
3 days ago
- Climate
- Hans India
Monsoon rains wash out opening day of Indian Open of Surfing in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The sixth edition of the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing got off to a rainy and reluctant start on Saturday, as organisers were forced to cancel all events on day one due to heavy rainfall and unsafe sea conditions at Tannirbhavi Eco Beach. With the early onset of the southwest monsoon and cyclonic disturbances in the Arabian Sea, high swells and erratic wave patterns made conditions unsuitable for competition. The Surfing Federation of India, along with co-organisers Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation, took the call to postpone proceedings after morning safety assessments. Originally scheduled to be held at Sasihithlu Beach, the event had already been relocated to Tannirbhavi earlier this week in anticipation of adverse weather. But persistent rainfall and choppy waters meant even the revised venue offered little respite. 'This is a sport deeply tied to nature, and today, nature clearly had other plans,' said Rammohan Paranjape, Vice President of the Surfing Federation of India. 'While we couldn't start the competition, we used the day for registrations, kit distribution and an important briefing for participants.' More than 50 surfers from across India are taking part in the three-day event, which is the second leg of the National Surfing Championship Series. Notable names in the fray include Ramesh Budhial, Kishore Kumar, Kamali P, Shrishti Selvam, and Sinchana Gowda, competing across four categories — Men's and Women's Open, and U-16 Groms for boys and girls. Contest Director Nawaz Jabbar said the safety of participants remained the top priority. 'The wave intervals were too short, the sea was rough, and rain further reduced visibility — not ideal for a competitive surf.' Officials remain optimistic that weather conditions may improve by Saturday, allowing the tournament to begin in earnest. The Indian Open of Surfing is presented by Karnataka Tourism, powered by Cycle Pure Agarbathies, and supported by the New Mangalore Port Authority.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Indian Open Surfing returns for its sixth edition
Mangaluru: Taneerbavi Beach in coastal Karnataka is set to come alive with waves and action as the Indian Open of Surfing (IOS) returns for its sixth edition from May 30 to June 1. Recognised as one of India's premier national-level surfing competitions, the event forms part of the Surfing Federation of India's National Surfing Championship series. Organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and hosted by the Mantra Surf Club, this year's IOS comes at a time when Indian surfing is riding a new wave of recognition—having secured two quotas for the 2026 Asian Games for the first time last year. Top national surfers across four categories—Men's Open, Women's Open, and U-16 Groms (Boys and Girls)—will vie not only for titles but also for valuable ranking points as they look to qualify for the Asian Surfing Championship later this year, the gateway to the continental games. 'This edition is expected to be more competitive than ever,' said Arun Vasu, President of the SFI. 'With Asian Games qualification now a tangible target, the stakes are higher and the athletes are hungrier.' With growing government and corporate support and a rising presence on the international stage, surfing in India appears to be gathering fresh momentum, and the Indian Open of Surfing is set to be its latest showcase.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Top surfers gear up for 6th Indian Open of Surfing in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: The surfing spotlight returns to Karnataka's coastal city of Mangaluru as the sixth edition of the Indian Open of Surfing is set to get underway at the Tannirbhavi Eco Beach on Friday. Scheduled from May 30 to June 1, this is the second stop of the 2025 National Surfing Championship Series. Organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and hosted by the Mantra Surf Club under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), this year's edition continues to serve as a pivotal leg in the National Championship series, drawing India's finest surfing talent for three days of high-stakes competition and valuable ranking points. Originally scheduled at Sasihithlu Beach, this year's competition has been relocated to Tannirbhavi Eco Beach due to unfavourable weather and wave patterns at the former site. While Sasihithlu has been synonymous with the Indian Open of Surfing for years, the new venue promises comparable wave quality while ensuring better safety conditions for surfers and spectators alike. The three-day contest will see over 50 top surfers compete across four divisions: Men's Open, Women's Open, Groms (U-16) Boys, and Groms (U-16) Girls. Among the biggest highlights for this round is the return of defending National champion Ramesh Budihal and Kishore Kumar, two of India's top-ranked surfers who missed the previous edition but are now ready to make a statement. They will join an elite lineup including Harish Muthu, Kamali P., Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D., and Sanjay Selvamani, all of whom have impressed on the Asian circuit in 2024, including standout performances at the Asian Surfing Championship and the Maruhaba Cup. Their performances were key to India securing a 5th place rank in Asia last year and also securing two quotas for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. Adding a dramatic layer to this year's edition is the surf forecast, with wave heights predicted between 10 to 12 feet across the competition dates. Due to cyclonic activity and unpredictable weather patterns over the Arabian Sea, the ocean may prove to be an unpredictable competitor and play a spoilsport to the event schedule. The heightened challenge will also have implications for national rankings, especially with the Asian Surf Championship 2025, a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games, on the horizon. The event continues to enjoy unwavering backing from key partners. The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) returns as the Title Sponsor for the second consecutive year, while Karnataka Tourism presents the championship for the sixth year running. 'We're excited to bring the sixth edition of the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing to the coast of Mangalore. With a strong field of athletes and a challenging forecast of 10–12 ft waves, we are in for an intense and exciting three days of competition," said Rammohan Paranjape, vice president of the Surfing Federation of India and director at Mantra Surf Club. In the lead-up to the sixth edition of IOS, local Grom events have been underway, aiming to unearth the next wave of surfing talent in the region. These grassroots competitions not only build momentum ahead of the national championship but also set the stage for a sustainable pipeline of talent.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Surf's up in Mangalore as Indian Open of Surfing returns for its sixth edition
Mangalore: Taneerbavi Beach in coastal Karnataka is set to come alive with waves and action as the Indian Open of Surfing (IOS) returns for its sixth edition from May 30 to June 1. Recognised as one of India's premier national-level surfing competitions, the event forms part of the Surfing Federation of India's National Surfing Championship series. Organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and hosted by the Mantra Surf Club, this year's IOS comes at a time when Indian surfing is riding a new wave of recognition—having secured two quotas for the 2026 Asian Games for the first time last year. Top national surfers across four categories—Men's Open, Women's Open, and U-16 Groms (Boys and Girls)—will vie not only for titles but also for valuable ranking points as they look to qualify for the Asian Surfing Championship later this year, the gateway to the continental games. 'This edition is expected to be more competitive than ever,' said Arun Vasu, President of the SFI. 'With Asian Games qualification now a tangible target, the stakes are higher and the athletes are hungrier.' Surfers such as Kishore Kumar, Kamali P, Harish Muthu, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani—many of whom contributed to India's 5th place ranking in Asia last year—are likely to draw considerable attention. Ahead of the main event, a Grom Search will be held at Panambur Beach to scout young surfers from Karnataka's coastal communities. The initiative, led by the Surfing Swami Foundation in partnership with local surf schools, aims to provide early-stage coaching and mentorship to emerging talent. With growing government and corporate support and a rising presence on the international stage, surfing in India appears to be gathering fresh momentum, and the Indian Open of Surfing is set to be its latest showcase.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NMPA returns as title sponsor for sixth Indian Open of Surfing
Mangaluru: The sixth Indian Open of Surfing (IOS), India's premier national surfing competition sanctioned by the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), the sport's governing body in the country, announced the continued support of key sponsors. The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) returns as the title sponsor for the second consecutive year. Karnataka Tourism, a long-time supporter of surfing in the state, comes on board as the 'presented by' partner for the sixth year running, while Cycle Pure Agarbatti extends its association as the 'powered by' sponsor. The event will be hosted by Mantra Surf Club and organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation under the aegis of SFI, from May 30 to June 1, at Tannirbhavi Eco Beach. NMPA chairman Venkata Ramana Akkaraju said, "We firmly believe surfing can transform Mangaluru into a global destination for ocean sports and eco-tourism. We look forward to another impactful edition." Deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP said, "The state is committed to promoting adventure tourism and coastal development through such platforms." Rammohan Paranjape, VP of Surfing Federation of India and director of Mantra Surf Club, said, "Hosting it at the state's local beaches reflects our commitment to nurturing local surf culture. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 새로운 로봇 모험이 여기서 시작됩니다. 오늘 가입하세요! 기계 경기장 플레이하기 Undo We are confident this year's edition will further elevate India's standing on the global surfing map." The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing carries even more significance following India's milestone achievement in 2024, when the national surf team earned its first-ever quotas for a multi-sport event at the Asian Surf Championship in the Maldives, securing two spots for the 2026 Asian Games. With rankings on the line and qualification opportunities at stake for the upcoming Asian Surf Championship—the final selection event for the Asian Games—this year's IOS becomes a crucial battleground.
