Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan on Monday, May 18, said the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing 2026, to be organised by the Surfing Federation of India, will be held from May 29 to 31 at the Tannirbhavi Blue Flag Beach in Mangaluru.

Speaking to reporters here, Mr. Darshan said the event that started in 2016 has put Mangaluru on the global map. The event, which was earlier held at Sasihithlu Beach, has been shifted to Tanirbhavi. Many international and national athletes are expected to participate in the three-day event.

He further said, “Karnataka has steadily emerged as one of India’s leading destinations for surfing and coastal sports, and the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing continues to play an important role in promoting both sports and tourism in the region. We are delighted to support an event that showcases the beauty of our coastline while also encouraging young sporting talent.”

The Surfing Federation of India (SFI), the governing body for surfing and stand-up paddling in the country, said the event comes as the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 is drawing closer. Indian Open of Surfing 2026 remains one of the key stops on the national surfing calendar and is expected to play an important role in the build-up to the upcoming Asian Games. The championship will serve as a major competitive platform for surfers aiming to strengthen their claims for places in the Indian contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026.

The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) sponsors the title for the third consecutive year, while 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 comes on board as venue partner.

Surfing Swami Foundation chairman Dhananjay Shetty said, besides open men’s and women’s and under-18 men and women’s categories, this year’s event would also feature an under-14 groms category for boys and girls to encourage local talent.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari, Mangaluru 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.