The inaugural edition of the Little Andaman Pro 2026 got underway in spectacular fashion, marking a defining moment for Indian surfing as the national-level championship made its debut in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Set against the pristine backdrop of Butler Bay, the event has brought together the country’s top surfing and stand-up paddling (SUP) talent, further strengthening the islands’ position as an emerging hub for ocean sports.
Organised by the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) and supported by the Andaman & Nicobar Tourism Department, the championship has attracted around 86 surfers, including a mix of established names and international participants. Competitors are battling it out across key divisions such as Men’s Open Surfing Shortboard, Women’s Open Surfing Shortboard, and SUP Sprint and Technical events for both men and women.
The opening day set the tone for what promises to be a high-quality competition, with athletes adapting quickly to the challenging yet rewarding wave conditions at Little Andaman. The presence of Shri Vinayak Chamadia, IAS, Director of Information, Publicity & Tourism (IP&T), further underlined the importance of the event. Chamadia not only flagged off the SUP races but also engaged with the sport firsthand, reflecting the administration’s active involvement in promoting surfing and adventure tourism.
Strong starts in Men’s Surfing Open
The Men’s Open Surfing Shortboard Round 1 witnessed a series of commanding performances from some of India’s leading surfers. Sivaraj Babu emerged as one of the standout performers of the day, registering an impressive heat score of 15.17, comfortably winning his heat with a significant margin.
Close behind was Kishore Kumar, one of India’s most consistent international performers, who secured a score of 15.00 to dominate his heat. Ramesh Budihal also made a strong statement with a score of 13.67, highlighting the depth of talent in the men’s field.
These early performances indicate a competitive field where consistency and wave selection will play a crucial role in determining progression into the later rounds.
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The Women’s Open Surfing Shortboard category also delivered encouraging performances, reflecting the steady growth of women’s surfing in India. Shrishti Selvam posted a solid 9.50 to top her heat, demonstrating control and composure in varying wave conditions.
Sugar Shanti Banarse edged ahead as one of the early leaders, recording a score of 9.63 to win her heat convincingly. With multiple surfers showing promising form, the women’s competition is shaping up to be closely contested in the upcoming rounds.
SUP events add speed and endurance challenge
Beyond traditional surfing, the SUP events brought a different dimension to the championship, testing athletes on speed, endurance, and technical precision.
In the SUP Sprint Men’s Quarterfinals, Sekar Pachai clocked the fastest time of 1:04.70, setting the benchmark for the competition. Dinesh Selvamani followed closely with 1:05.89, while Selvarasan Nagamuthu completed a strong showing with 1:09.19 in his heat.
The SUP Technical Men’s Semifinal also produced competitive racing, with Rajesh D leading Heat 1 with a time of 6:08.02. Dinesh Selvamani continued his strong day with a time of 6:14.28, while Selvarasan Nagamuthu secured qualification with 6:14.63, underlining his consistency across formats.
These results highlight the growing prominence of stand-up paddling within India’s surfing ecosystem, offering athletes multiple avenues to compete at a national level.
While the performances on water grabbed attention, the broader significance of the Little Andaman Pro extends beyond results. The event represents a strategic push to integrate sport with tourism, showcasing the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a destination capable of hosting world-class competitions.
With its consistent swell patterns, clear waters, and natural beauty, Little Andaman provides ideal conditions for surfing. Hosting a national championship here not only elevates the sport but also opens avenues for local community engagement and economic development through tourism.
The Surfing Federation of India, under the leadership of President Arun Vasu, continues to play a crucial role in expanding the sport’s footprint across the country. By introducing competitions in new locations and providing structured opportunities for athletes, SFI is building a sustainable pathway for Indian surfers at both national and international levels.
The competition is set to intensify over the next few days, with key rounds lined up across categories. Day 2 will feature the Men’s Open Surfing Round 2 and Round 3, alongside the Women’s Open Quarterfinals at the Main Bank. Simultaneously, the Secondary Bank will host the SUP Sprint Men’s Semifinals and the next round of Technical events.
As the championship progresses, the focus will shift towards consistency under pressure, with surfers needing to deliver across multiple heats to stay in contention.
With strong participation, competitive performances, and a picturesque setting, the Little Andaman Pro 2026 has made an impressive start. More importantly, it signals a new chapter for Indian surfing one that blends high-performance sport with destination-driven growth, setting the stage for the sport’s long-term evolution in the country.
