The Indian Open of Surfing 2026 is set to take place from May 29 to May 31 at Blue Bay Tannirbhavi Eco Beach in Mangaluru, Karnataka. This event is pivotal for surfers aiming to qualify for the Asian Games, particularly as India has secured two quota spots each in the Men's and Women's Open Shortboard events. Organized by the Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation under the Surfing Federation of India, the championship has become a key fixture in the national surfing calendar. Approximately 80 surfers from states including Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu will compete in various categories, including newly introduced Under-14 divisions to foster youth engagement. Notable contenders include Ramesh Budihal, who recently won a bronze at the Asian Surfing Championships, and Kamali P, a prominent figure in women's surfing. The competition not only highlights individual talent but also showcases Karnataka's growing status as a surfing hub, especially with the Asian Games debut on the horizon.