Tamil Nadu Surfers Lead At The Indian Open Of Surfing 2024

Mangaluru, May 31: The offshore winds provided a perfect start for the fifth Indian Open of Surfing at Sasihithlu Beach. Tamil Nadu surfers dominated Day 1, securing fifteen out of sixteen spots in the Men's Open quarterfinals. Sivaraj Babu scored the highest, with 15.50 points, followed by Ajeesh Ali (15.33) and Srikanth D (13.50).

The event was declared open by Shri Mullai Muhilan M P, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada. Other dignitaries included Shri K.G. Nath, Deputy Chairman of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA); Shri Jijo Thomas, Secretary of NMPA; and Shri Gaurav Hegde, Director of the Surfing Swami Foundation.

Men's Open Category

Tamil Nadu surfers dominated the first day's rounds in the Men's Open category. A total of 14 surfers will compete in tomorrow's quarterfinals. The quarterfinalists are Sivaraj Babu, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, Harish M, Tayin Arun, Manivannan T, Sanjay Selvamani, Surya P, Sanjaikumar S, Manikandan M, Ruban V, Subramani M, Akilan S, and Manikandan I.

Top Performers

Sivaraj Babu, who scored 15.50, said, "The conditions were tricky, but I enjoyed catching eight waves. I will focus on my skills and have fun in the knockouts." Nawaz Jabbar, Contest Director, stated, "The accurate forecast allowed us to start on time and witness great surfing."

Vision for Mulki

Shri Mullai Muhilan M P, IAS, expressed his vision to make Mulki an international hub for Surfing and Stand-Up Paddling. He mentioned, "Many international surfing coaches recognise Mulki as a top training ground. We aim to create a local ecosystem for the sport."

Support from NMPA

Shri K.G. Nath, Deputy Chairman of NMPA, said, "Since surfing is now an Olympic sport, we are keen to promote it in this region. We are happy to be the title sponsors of the Indian Open of Surfing and look forward to more such events."

Cultural Start

Earlier today, the event began with a local drum dance, Chende, followed by the official opening of the competition. The New Mangalore Port Authority is the Title Sponsor, with the Karnataka Government as the 'Presented by' sponsor, supporting the event for the fifth year. Cycle Pure Agarbatti and Explurger are 'Powered by' sponsors.