The inaugural Little Andaman Pro 2026 concluded with Tamil Nadu surfers asserting their dominance, as Sivaraj Babu and Kamali Moorthy clinched the Men’s and Women’s Open Surfing titles respectively.
Held at the iconic Butler Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the four-day national championship brought together the country’s top surfing and stand-up paddling talent, marking a significant milestone in India’s growing presence in the sport.
The final day delivered high-quality competition across categories, with surfers and paddlers battling challenging reef break conditions to cap off what has been a landmark event for Indian surfing.
Tamil Nadu Domination in Men’s Surfing
The Men’s Open final turned into an all-Tamil Nadu affair, underlining the state’s depth and consistency in the sport. Sivaraj Babu emerged victorious with a score of 13.63, edging past Srikanth D, who finished close behind with 13.33. The contest remained tightly poised throughout, with both surfers trading strong rides in the final heat. However, Sivaraj’s superior wave selection and cleaner execution in critical sections proved decisive, allowing him to hold onto a narrow lead.
Kishore Kumar, one of India’s most promising young surfers and a recent semifinalist at the Asian Surfing Championships (U-18), finished third with 12.87, while Sanjay Selvamani completed the finalist lineup.
Speaking after his win, Sivaraj highlighted the importance of the moment, calling it a perfect start to the season. His victory at the first-ever edition of the event not only adds to his growing reputation but also establishes him as one of the leading figures in Indian surfing.
In the Women’s Open category, Kamali Moorthy delivered the standout performance of the day, registering the highest score across all finals with an impressive 15.83. The teenage sensation displayed exceptional control and confidence, navigating the reef break conditions with maturity beyond her years.
Goa’s Sugar Shanti Banarse secured the silver medal with a score of 11.64, while Riva Aurora finished third with 7.84.
Kamali’s performance was marked by aggressive turns, strong balance, and the ability to capitalize on scoring waves elements that set her apart in the final. Her victory further reinforces her status as one of India’s most promising talents on the international circuit. Reflecting on her win, Kamali emphasized the unique experience of competing in Andaman’s waters, noting how the conditions offered valuable learning that would aid her preparation for future international competitions, including the Asian Games.
SUP Sprint Events Add to Tamil Nadu Success
The dominance extended beyond surfing into the stand-up paddling (SUP) sprint events, where Indian paddlers delivered strong performances. In the Men’s SUP Sprint final, Dinesh Selvamani clinched gold with a time of 1:09.20 in the 200m race. His powerful start and sustained pace gave him a clear edge over the competition. Manikandan M (1:10.00) finished second, while Rajesh D (1:21.50) took bronze.
The Women’s SUP Sprint final saw Vijayalakshmi Irulappan secure gold with a timing of 1:40.35. Arthi followed with 1:48.03 to claim silver, while Nishi finished third in 2:47.94. Both winners highlighted the unique challenge posed by the conditions at Butler Bay, where the combination of open water dynamics and technical racing demanded both physical endurance and tactical awareness.
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The Little Andaman Pro 2026 holds particular significance as the first national-level surfing and stand-up paddling championship to be conducted in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Organised by the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) and supported by Andaman Tourism, the event represents a strategic step in expanding the geographical footprint of the sport in India.
Across four days, the competition featured a structured progression from early rounds to finals, allowing athletes to adapt to the conditions while showcasing their skill sets. The inclusion of both surfing and SUP disciplines also reflected the evolving ecosystem of water sports in the country.
Butler Bay: A Natural Arena
Central to the success of the event was Butler Bay itself a location increasingly recognised for its high-quality waves and reef break conditions. Unlike many mainland surfing spots, Butler Bay offers a more technical setup, requiring precision, timing, and adaptability.
The consistent wave patterns allowed for uninterrupted competition, while the scenic backdrop added to the overall appeal of the championship. For many athletes, this was their first experience competing in such conditions, making it both a competitive and developmental opportunity.
The championship also highlighted the growing synergy between sport and tourism. With Andaman & Nicobar Tourism playing a key role in hosting the event, the initiative showcased the islands as a potential global destination for surfing and water sports.
SFI President Arun Vasu described the event as a significant milestone, pointing out that hosting a national championship in the islands opens up new possibilities for the sport while enhancing India’s visibility on the global surfing map.
With its successful inaugural edition, the Little Andaman Pro has laid a strong foundation for future competitions. The event not only provided a competitive platform for India’s top surfers and paddlers but also demonstrated the country’s readiness to host high-quality events in world-class natural settings.
For athletes like Sivaraj Babu and Kamali Moorthy, the victories mark an important step in their careers. For Indian surfing as a whole, the event signals a broader shift from a niche sport to an emerging competitive discipline with growing national and international relevance.
