The sixth Indian Open of Surfing (IOS), India’s premier national surfing competition sanctioned by the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), has announced the continued support of key sponsors.
New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) returns as title sponsor, Karnataka Tourism joins as ‘Presented by’ partner for the sixth year, and Cycle Pure Agarbatti continues as the ‘Powered by’ sponsor. The event will be hosted by Mantra Surf Club and organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation under SFI, from May 30 to June 1 at Tannirbhavi Eco Beach, Mangalore.
Top contenders return to the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing after making waves internationally in 2024. Kishore Kumar, Harish Muthu, Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani headline this edition, following strong performances at the Asian Surfing Championship and Maruhaba Cup. With multiple national titles and India’s 5th-place finish in Asia, these surfers carry forward the nation’s momentum on the global stage.
NMPA chairman Dr Venkata Ramana Akkaraju said, “It gives us immense pride to return as the title sponsor of the Indian Open of Surfing. Our association with this landmark event aligns with our commitment to support community-focused initiatives that bring socio-economic and cultural value to the region. We firmly believe surfing can transform Mangalore into a global destination for ocean sports and eco-tourism. We look forward to another impactful edition.”
Dakshina Kannada IAS, deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP added: “Karnataka Tourism is proud to continue its long-standing association with the Indian Open of Surfing. Sasihithlu Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty and wave quality that makes it the perfect venue for such events. The state is committed to promoting adventure tourism and coastal development through such platforms.”
Cycle Pure Agarbatti managing partner, NR Group & MD Arjun Ranga stated, “We’re delighted to continue supporting the Indian Open of Surfing. The sport resonates with our brand’s core values —harmony, sustainability, and community well-being. We’re excited to witness the enthusiasm and energy of India’s top surfers as they compete for national glory.”
The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing, the second stop of the National Surfing Championship series, will feature India’s top-ranked surfers competing in four categories: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Groms (U-16) Boys, and Groms (U-16) Girls. As a key event influencing national rankings, it promises fierce competition and high-level performances from across the country.
Surfing Federation of India vice-president & Mantra Surf Club director Rammohan Paranjape said, “The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing has grown in stature every year, thanks to the continued support from government and corporate partners. Hosting it at the state’s local beaches reflects our commitment to nurturing local surf culture while delivering a world-class sporting experience. We’re confident this year’s edition will further elevate India’s standing on the global surfing map.”
The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing gains added importance after India’s landmark achievement in 2024, when the national surf team secured its first-ever Asian Games quotas at the Asian Surf Championship in the Maldives. With rankings and qualification for the upcoming Asian Surf Championship — India’s final selection event for the 2026 Asian Games — on the line, this year’s IOS is a critical battleground.
