The second edition of the Indian Open of Surfing will be held at Sasihithlu Beach near Mangaluru from May 26 to 28 with about 120 surfers expected to take part.
Kishore Kumar, president of the Surfing Federation of India, told presspersons here recently that the organisers aim to make surfing a major event in India considering its long coastline.
The event is organised by the Dakshina Kannada district administration in association with Karnataka Tourism, Kanara Surfing and Water Sports Promotion Council and the Mantra Surf Club.
Mr. Kumar said the Indian Open of Surfing will host top surfers from Goa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Lakshadweep and international surfers from Australia, the U.S. and France.
Top names like Ishita Malviya, Sinchana Gowda, Aneesha Nayak, Dharini Selvakumar, Manikandan, Sekar Pitchai and Tanvi Jagadish, will be seen riding the waves in their respective categories.
Registration for the competition has opened at http://indianopenofsurfing
. com/surfers-registration for the second edition.
The event would have nine categories.
Deputy Commissioner K.G. Jagadeesha said that the event is an effort by the Karnataka Tourism Department to promote the state as an international surfing and water sports destination.
The event would help put Mangaluru's beaches on the world tourism map, he said.
Mr. Kumar said the Sgovernment would promote the event nationwide with the intention of showcasing Mangaluru as the premier surfing destination.
It would also include interesting cultural and musical performances from local as well as national bands.
A food festival along with activities like beach volleyball, slack lining, stake boarding and mixed martial arts demo would be the added attractions.
District in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai launched the event website in the presence of J.R. Lobo, MLA, Legislative Council Chief Whip Ivan D’Souza, and Mayor Kavitha Sanil.
