Mangalore, Karnataka, May 22: With Indian surfing preparing for its historic debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September, the seventh edition of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) Indian Open of Surfing 2026, has received a major shot in the arm, with leading corporate brands and Government bodies coming together to support one of India’s biggest surfing championships. Scheduled to be held from May 29 to 31, 2026, here at the Blue Bay Eco Beach in Tannirbhavi, the championship will be organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and the Mantra Surf Club under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI).
The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has returned as the Title Sponsor for the third consecutive year, reaffirming its continued commitment towards the growth of surfing and coastal sports in the region. The renowned Cycle Agarbatti and skincare brand deconstruct have joined the championship as Gold Sponsors, with deconstruct also coming on board as the Official SPF Partner for the event, while the Karnataka Tourism Department, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, and the Karnataka Surfing Association continue their support towards the development of surfing in the state and the country. Northern Sky has also come on board as the Venue Partner for the event.
The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing remains one of the most important stops on the national surfing calendar and is expected to play a crucial role in India’s preparations for the Asian Games later this year. The championship will serve as a key competitive platform for surfers aiming to strengthen their claims for places in the Indian contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026.
Indian surfing has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, with Indian surfers securing the country’s first-ever qualification quotas for the Asian Games and delivering strong performances at the Asian Surfing Championships on the international stage. With surfing rapidly emerging as one of India’s fastest-growing coastal sports, events like the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing, are playing a key role in building the country’s competitive ecosystem.
Speaking on behalf of the Karnataka Government, Mr. Darshan H.V., IAS, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Dakshina Kannada, said, “Karnataka has steadily emerged as one of India’s leading destinations for surfing and beach tourism. The continued success of the Indian Open of Surfing highlights the state’s growing stature as a hub for coastal sports, tourism and youth engagement. We are happy to support an event that celebrates both sport and the natural beauty of our coastline.”
Reaffirming his support to the championship, Shri. Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairperson, New Mangalore Port Authority, said, “The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing has grown into a nationally recognised sporting property over the years and we are proud to continue our support as the title sponsor. As a coastal institution deeply connected with the region, we believe the championship not only promotes sports but also showcases the immense tourism and cultural potential of coastal Karnataka.”
Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Partner, NR Group & MD, Cycle Pure Agarbatti, also expressed happiness at the association saying, “We are delighted to associate with a progressive sporting property like the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing. Surfing reflects youthfulness, energy and aspiration, values that resonate strongly with our brand and its growing connection with younger audiences across the country.”
Ms. Malini Adapureddy, Founder and CEO, deconstruct, weighed in on the immense potential of the sport and said, “Indian surfing is entering a very exciting phase with growing international recognition and participation. Supporting the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing aligns with our vision of encouraging emerging sporting cultures and backing athletes who are pushing boundaries for the country.”
Mr. Rammohan Paranjape, Vice President, Surfing Federation of India, highlighted the importance of sponsor support for the sport’s growth when he shared, “The support extended by our sponsors and government stakeholders has played a major role in strengthening the surfing ecosystem in India. With the Asian Games approaching, events like the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing become extremely important in preparing our athletes for the international stage while also helping the sport reach newer audiences.”
Over the years, the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing has established itself as one of India’s premier surfing championships, attracting top surfers from across the country while also significantly contributing towards the growth of surfing tourism in Karnataka. The championship has also played an instrumental role in positioning Mangalore and Karnataka among India’s leading surfing destinations.
The 2026 edition is expected to witness participation from some of the country’s top surfers competing across multiple categories in what promises to be another landmark edition of India’s flagship surfing championship.