Top Surfers In The Country Assemble In Mangaluru As 5th Edition Of Indian Open Of Surfing Starts May 31

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The coastal city of Mangaluru is set to host the 5th Indian Open of Surfing (IOS), starting tomorrow at Sasihithlu Beach. Organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and the Mantra Surf Club, this event is under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India. It will attract over 70 surfers from across the country.

Held from 31st May to 2nd June, the event will see top-ranked surfers such as Srikanth D, Surya P, Ajeesh Ali, Sivaraj Babu, Kamali Moorthy, Ishita Malviya, and Srishti Selvam competing. The IOS is a key event for determining the surfers' standings for the season, with crucial ranking points on the line.

Support and Sponsorships

This year's competition has significant backing. The New Mangalore Port Authority has stepped in as the Title Sponsor for the first time. The Karnataka Government, the 'Presented by’ sponsor, continues its fifth year of support. Other sponsors include Cycle Pure Agarbatti and Explurger, the social media partner.

Categories and Competitors

The three-day competition will feature four categories: Men's Open, Women's Open, Groms (U-16 Boys), and Groms (U-16 Girls). Harish M, Srikanth D, and Sivaraj Babu are top contenders in the Men's Open, while Kamali Moorthy, Sandhya Arun, Ishita Malviya, and Shrishti Selvam are expected to excel in the Women's Open.

In the U-16 Boys category, Tayin Arun, Prahlad Sriram, and Som Sethi will battle for top honours. Local surfers Tanishka Mendon and Sanvi Hegde are the ones to watch in the U-16 Girls category. Ajeesh Ali, who represented India at the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador, is a significant contender in the Men's Open.

Official Statements

"We are geared up for the fifth edition of the Indian Open of Surfing. I promise top-class competition and entertainment over the three-day challenge. The country's top surfers have arrived in Mangaluru and are determined to showcase their talents. I wish the very best of luck to all participants and thank our sponsors," said Mr. Rammohan Paranjape, VP, Surfing Federation of India and Partner, Mantra Surf Club.

Recognised Platform

Recognised by the International Surfing Federation, this event serves as a platform for Indian surfers to hone their skills for national and international events. With surfing now an Olympic sport, the IOS contributes significantly to its growing recognition. The Indian Open of Surfing is the second stop in the National Championship series of 2024, following the International Surfing Festival Kerala 2024 held in March at Varkala Beach.