The Covelong Classic 2025, India’s premier surf festival, reached a dramatic conclusion on Sunday as Tamil Nadu surfers swept the top honors at the National Surfing Championship 2025.
Against the backdrop of Kovalam’s waves, local athletes turned in historic performances that underlined both the state’s dominance and India’s growing stature in world surfing. The annual event, part of the Water Sports Festival 2025 presented by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, showcased four days of world-class surfing, cultural celebrations, and live music, reaffirming Covelong’s reputation as the heart of Indian surfing.
Tamil Nadu’s Golden Run: Kishore Kumar’s Breakthrough
In the Men’s Open category, Kishore Kumar of Kovalam produced a career-defining performance. He clinched his maiden National Overall Championship title, winning the final with a score of 12.17, edging out Sivaraj Babu (11.84) by a razor-thin 0.33 margin. For Kishore, who grew up training on the same waves at Covelong, the victory was especially sweet as it capped years of perseverance on the national circuit.
“This moment is everything,” Kishore said after his win. “Surfing here, in front of my home crowd, and winning my first national title it’s a dream come true.”
If Kishore’s win was about breaking new ground, Kamali Moorthy of Mahabalipuram was all about dominance. The teenage prodigy turned in the most commanding performance of the tournament, winning two titles in a single day. She first clinched the Women’s Open category with a score of 13.50, finishing an emphatic 4.67 points ahead of her nearest rival, Sugar Shanti Banarse (8.83). Hours later, she returned to the water for the Girls U-16 final, where she scored 14.83, beating her closest competitor by an astonishing 9.56 points.
Kamali’s dual triumph confirmed her status as one of India’s brightest young surfing talents, capable of competing at both senior and junior levels. “I just wanted to enjoy the waves and give my best,” she said, beaming after the prize distribution. “Winning both titles makes me believe that Indian surfing has so much potential, and I’m excited to be part of this journey.”
Rising Stars in Boys’ U-16
In the Boys U-16 division, Som Sethi of Chennai emerged victorious at the final stop of the National Surfing Series, scoring 13.17 to beat Prahlad Sriram (11.66) by 1.51 points. His sharp maneuvers and composure in challenging waves highlighted the depth of talent emerging from Tamil Nadu’s younger generation. The overall Boys U-16 National Championship title, however, went to Harish P of Mahabalipuram, whose consistent performances throughout the season secured him the top spot despite finishing third in the Covelong final.
Heat Scores – National Surfing Championship 2025 Finals
Men’s Open Final
- Kishore Kumar – 12.17 (Winner)
- Sivaraj Babu – 11.84
- Akilan S – 9.30
- Srikanth D – 7.47
Women’s Open Final
- Kamali Moorthy – 13.50 (Winner)
- Sugar Shanti Banarse – 8.83
- Shrishti Selvam – 6.50
- Devi Ramanathan – 4.67
Boys U-16 Final
- Som Sethi – 13.17 (Winner)
- Prahlad Sriram – 11.66
- Harish P – 9.97
- Yogesh A – 7.33
Girls U-16 Final
- Kamali Moorthy – 14.83 (Winner)
- Saanvi Hegde – 5.27
- Dhamayanthi Sriram – 3.50
- Mahathi Srinivasabharathi – 2.57
Festival Atmosphere Meets High-Performance Sport
The Covelong Classic, now in its 12th edition, once again delivered far more than just surfing. The event blended sport, culture, and community, making it a celebration of coastal life in Tamil Nadu. Spectators thronged the beach to witness India’s best surfers take on challenging swells, with live music and cultural performances adding to the carnival-like atmosphere. The finals day began with high-energy quarterfinals and semifinals before culminating in gripping finals that kept fans on edge.
Kishore’s narrow win in the Men’s Open and Kamali’s dominant double-header gave the crowd plenty to cheer about, ensuring the event ended on a high.
Tamil Nadu: The Cradle of Indian Surfing
Officials praised the athletes and highlighted Tamil Nadu’s role as the epicenter of India’s surfing revolution. With consistent infrastructure support, natural conditions, and a vibrant community of coaches and surfers, the state has become a powerhouse in nurturing talent.
“The performances we’ve seen here underline the strength of Tamil Nadu as the hub of Indian surfing,” said a Surfing Federation of India representative. “Events like the Covelong Classic not only push our athletes to the next level but also inspire more youth to take up the sport.” The state’s dominance at this year’s Nationals also reflects the broader rise of surfing in India. Once a niche activity, surfing has now secured recognition as a mainstream sport, attracting government support, private sponsorship, and an expanding community of enthusiasts.
With Kishore Kumar’s breakthrough, Kamali Moorthy’s double triumph, and a new crop of juniors like Som Sethi and Harish P making waves, Indian surfing appears poised for an exciting future. The Covelong Classic has reaffirmed its place as not just a competition but a launchpad for the next generation of athletes.
For the athletes, the National Championships are both a culmination and a beginning the culmination of months of training and competition, and the beginning of new ambitions on the international stage. As the sun set over Kovalam on September 22, the celebrations spilled over from the competition zone into the heart of the community. Music, dance, and joy marked the end of the festival, leaving behind memories of a tournament where Tamil Nadu athletes etched their names in history.
The message was clear: surfing in India is no longer a fringe sport. It is a movement one that is growing stronger with every wave.
