NMPA Indian Open of Surfing 2026 secures strong sponsor backing ahead of Asian Games

MANGALORE – Indian surfing is catching a strong new wave. Ahead of its historic debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing 2026 has secured a powerful line-up of sponsors and government support, giving the country’s flagship surfing event a timely boost.

Scheduled from May 29 to 31 at Blue Bay Eco Beach, Tannirbhavi, the championship is set to welcome many of India’s top surfers as they compete for national honours and, crucially, a stronger claim for a place in the country’s Asian Games contingent.

Leading the sponsorship line-up is New Mangalore Port Authority, which returns as title sponsor for the third consecutive year, underlining its long-term commitment to surfing and coastal sports development in the region.

Joining the event as gold sponsors are Cycle Pure Agarbatti and deconstruct, with deconstruct also stepping in as the championship’s official SPF partner, a fitting role for an event where sunshine is very much part of the action. Northern Sky has also joined as venue partner.

Government support remains equally strong. The Karnataka Government, along with the Karnataka Tourism Department and the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, continues to back the championship for the seventh straight year.

Speaking on behalf of the state, Karnataka Government deputy commissioner and district magistrate Darshan H V said Karnataka has steadily emerged as one of India’s leading destinations for surfing and beach tourism, adding that the event highlights the state’s growing reputation as a hub for coastal sports and youth engagement.

Meanwhile, New Mangalore Port Authority chairperson Sushil Kumar Singh said the championship has evolved into a nationally recognised sporting property that also showcases the tourism and cultural potential of coastal Karnataka.

From the sponsor side, Cycle Pure Agarbatti managing partner and managing director Arjun Ranga said the partnership reflects the youthful, energetic and aspirational values shared by both the sport and the brand.

Similarly, deconstruct founder and chief executive Malini Adapureddy described Indian surfing as entering an exciting phase, noting that supporting emerging sports aligns closely with the company’s broader vision.

For the sport’s governing body, the event’s growing backing is a key sign of progress. Surfing Federation of India vice president Rammohan Paranjape said support from brands and government has been instrumental in strengthening India’s surfing ecosystem, especially as athletes prepare for bigger international opportunities.

Organised by the Surfing Swami Foundation and Mantra Surf Club under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India, the championship has grown steadily over seven editions, helping position Mangalore and Karnataka as two of India’s top surfing destinations.

With the Asian Games on the horizon and fresh support rolling in, Indian surfing is no longer just riding the wave, it is building one of its own.