The Little Andaman Pro 2026 continued to build momentum on Day 2, delivering a compelling mix of elite performances and rising talent across both surfing and stand-up paddleboarding disciplines.
Hosted in the scenic waters of Little Andaman, the national championship has quickly established itself as a significant addition to India’s competitive surfing calendar, combining high-level sport with a unique coastal setting.
The highlight of the day came from the SUP Technical Finals at the Secondary Bank, where India’s top paddlers battled for national honours. Sekar Pachai once again underlined his dominance in the discipline, clinching the Men’s Technical SUP title with a winning time of 10:05.02. Known for his consistency and technical precision, Pachai controlled the race from early on, navigating buoy turns efficiently and maintaining a strong rhythm through the 2km course.
Rajesh D secured the silver medal with a time of 10:26.39, while Dinesh Selvamani finished third in 10:37.33. While both paddlers stayed competitive, Pachai’s ability to sustain pace across varying sections of the course proved decisive.
In the Women’s Technical SUP category, Arthi delivered an equally composed performance to secure the title with a time of 13:53.20. Her race was marked by controlled pacing and clean execution, particularly in the technical segments where positioning and balance are critical. Vijayalakshmi Irulappan followed closely with 14:06.01 to take silver, while Nishi rounded off the podium with a time of 20:58.96.
The SUP events reflected the growing depth and technical maturity within India’s paddling ecosystem, with athletes demonstrating improved race strategies and adaptability to open-water conditions.
Parallel to the paddling action, the Surfing Men’s Open category progressed into its decisive stages. Round 2 offered a second opportunity for surfers through the repechage format, where Yogesh A stood out with a score of 10.17, winning his heat with a comfortable margin of 1.74. The repechage ensured that the competition remained inclusive while maintaining a high-performance threshold.
The intensity rose further in Round 3, where some of the country’s leading surfers delivered standout performances. Ramesh Budihal produced the highest score of the day, registering an impressive 16.00 and dominating his heat by a margin of 11.83. His wave selection and execution stood out, particularly in linking multiple manoeuvres seamlessly.
Sanjay Selvamani also impressed with a score of 13.50, winning his heat by 5.03, while Srikanth D posted 11.67 to secure qualification. These performances highlighted the increasing competitive standards within Indian surfing, with athletes showing improved control and consistency in reef break conditions.
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Butler Bay, with its right-hand reef break, has played a crucial role in shaping the contest. The conditions demand precision, timing, and adaptability qualities that have separated the top performers from the rest of the field.
In the Surfing Women’s Open quarterfinals, the competition remained equally engaging. Sugar Shanti Banarse emerged as one of the standout performers, registering a strong 12.84 and winning her heat by a significant margin of 8.64. Kamali Moorthy followed with a score of 10.34, while Shrishti Selvam posted 7.47 to advance.
The women’s field has shown encouraging depth, with multiple surfers capable of delivering competitive scores. The margins, however, suggest that the leading contenders have begun to establish control heading into the semifinals.
Beyond the results, the event continues to serve a broader purpose. Backed by the Andaman & Nicobar Tourism Department and organised by the Surfing Federation of India, the championship is a strategic effort to position the islands as a global destination for surfing and water sports. The combination of consistent wave conditions and natural beauty provides an ideal platform for both competition and promotion of sustainable tourism.
The event has also brought together a diverse field of athletes, including emerging talents and experienced competitors, contributing to the overall development of the sport in India. Exposure to conditions like those at Butler Bay is particularly valuable for athletes aiming to compete internationally.
As the championship moves into its final day, the focus shifts to the knockout rounds across all major categories. The Surfing Men’s Open will progress through quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, while the Women’s Open will crown its champion after the semifinal and final rounds. The SUP Sprint events are also set to conclude, adding another layer of excitement to the finale.
With performances intensifying and titles on the line, the stage is set for a high-quality conclusion to the inaugural edition. Day 2 belonged to Sekar Pachai and Arthi, whose victories highlighted technical excellence and race intelligence. As the competition heads into its final phase, the Little Andaman Pro 2026 has already succeeded in establishing itself as a landmark event in India’s surfing and paddling landscape.
