The Surfing Federation of India (SFI), the governing body for surfing and stand-up paddling in the country, has announced the fifth edition of the Indian Open Surfing (IOS). Taking place at Sasihithlu Beach in Mangaluru, Karnataka, from May 31 to June 2, this prestigious surfing event, recognized by the International Surfing Association, will be hosted by the Mantra Surf Club.
Top-ranked surfers from across India will participate in the three-day competition, which enjoys continued support from the Karnataka government for the fifth consecutive year. The event will feature four categories: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Groms (U-16) Boys, and Groms (U-16) Girls.
The Indian Open of Surfing will mark the second stop of the National Championship series for the 2024 calendar year, succeeding the International Surfing Festival Kerala 2024, which took place in March at the stunning cliff beach of Varkala. This event will witness fierce competition among surfers from both the east and west coasts, as it offers crucial ranking points that will impact their standings at the season’s conclusion.
“We are happy to extend our support to the organizers of Indian Open of Surfing – Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club under the aegis of Surfing Federation of India. They are doing a fabulous job of promoting the lesser-explored coasts of our state and boosting our tourism economy. Hosting a national-level competition in such a beautiful and serene part of the state can attract more visitors from different parts of the country”, said Mullai Muhilan MP, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada, Government of Karnataka.
Arun Vasu, President, Surfing Federation of India, on the announcement said, “Our goal is simple, we want to elevate India to the top in surfing. After a successful start to the National Series in Kerala, we are glad to continue the championships in Mangaluru before the championship tour moves to the East Coast”.
Ramesh Budihal, Harish M, Srikanth D, and Manikandan M emerge as the ones to watch in the men’s category, following their outstanding performances in the recent national championship held in Kerala. In the women’s division, Kamali Moorthy, Srishthi Selvam, and Sandhya Arun are among the contenders vying for top honors. Teen sensation Kishore Kumar will undoubtedly attract attention, given his remarkable recent performances.
Rammohan Paranjape, Vice President, SFI and Director, Mantra Surf Club – ” We are hoping for a really good turnout of all top surfers in the country and a very close competitive battle between the best, the last two editions of IOS have produced best action with close finishes at the end, let’s hope for a solid swell and great weather”.
In the first championship of the calendar year, the International Surfing Festival in Kerala, Ramesh Budihal clinched the Men’s Open category, while Kamali P secured victory in the Women’s Open category. Meanwhile, Kishore Kumar dominated the Groms 16 and Under Boys division with an impressive score of 14.73.
