The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing 2026 is scheduled to take place at Blue Bay Eco Beach in Tannirbhavi, Mangaluru, from May 29 to 31. Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV announced on Monday that the event has placed Mangaluru on the global map, highlighting the region's ideal conditions for surfing. Karnataka has steadily emerged as a premier surfing destination in India, and this championship plays a crucial role in promoting both the sport and tourism in the area.
Event Significance and Asian Games Build-Up
Organized under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), the event remains a key stop on the national surfing calendar. It is expected to be instrumental in preparations for the upcoming Asian Games. The seventh edition will serve as a major competitive platform for surfers aiming to secure spots in the Indian contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026.
Sponsorship and Support
The championship is presented by the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), returning as title sponsor for the third consecutive year. Cycle Agarbatti and DeConstruct join as Gold Sponsors, with support from the Karnataka Tourism Department, the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, and the Karnataka Surfing Association. Northern Sky is the Venue Partner. For the seventh consecutive year, the state government has backed the Indian Open of Surfing since its inception.
Yathish Baikampady, President of the Dakshina Kannada Swimming Association, noted that Indian surfing achieved a historic milestone by securing its first-ever qualification quotas for the Asian Games. Indian surfers have also made impressive strides internationally, earning podium finishes and medals at the Asian Surfing Championships in recent years. The pre-monsoon swell is ideal for surfing, and many children from the fishing community have learned to surf.
National Championship Series
Shamanth from the Karnataka Surfing Association stated that the event has attracted top talent from across the country while elevating Karnataka's stature as a major destination for surfing and beach tourism. Surfers from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and other regions are expected to participate. Following the Little Andaman Pro 2026 in April, the Mangaluru event is the second stop on the National Championship Series. It showcases intense rivalry between surfers from the east and west coasts of India, with crucial ranking points determining final standings.
Chairman of the Surfing Swami Foundation, Dhanajay Shetty, remarked, "The growth of Indian surfers at the continental level over the last few years has been extremely encouraging, and events like these are vital in building a strong competitive ecosystem."
DK Zilla Panchayat CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari, Assistant Commissioner Meenakshi Arya, Deputy Director of the District Youth Empowerment and Sports Department Pradeep D'Souza, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism Dilip Kumar, and others were present at the announcement.
