Manish, Vaishnavi storm into semifinals of 30th Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship

Chennai, October 03rd, 2025: Tamil Nadu’s Manish Sureshkumar and top seed Vaishnavi Adkar of Maharashtra advanced into the semifinals of the ongoing 30th Fenesta Open National Tennis Championship after registering impressive wins in their respective quarterfinal matches at the DLTA Complex in New Delhi on Thursday.

Manish, a former champion, was made to work hard by Nitin Kumar Sinha of Railway Sports Promotion Board before prevailing 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 in a contest that lasted over three hours. 

After losing the first set, the Tamil Nadu player found his rhythm to level the match and then held his nerve in a tense deciding set tiebreak to secure his spot in the last four.

In the women’s singles, Vaishnavi Adkar of Maharashtra showed her dominance as the top seed by defeating seventh seed Sahira Singh of Punjab 6-3, 6-1 in straight sets. The 2025 World University Games Bronze medalist broke Sahira’s serve at crucial moments in the first set and then raced through the second to seal her semifinal berth in commanding fashion.

Supported by DCM Shriram Ltd., and held under the aegis of the All India Tennis Association (AITA) and the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA), the Fenesta Open is India’s largest domestic tennis championship, drawing top contenders from across the country.

Later in the women’s singles, Soha Sadiq of Karnataka continued her fine run in the tournament with a straight-sets win over Haryana’s Aditi Rawat. 

The fourth seed overcame multiple deuce battles to record a 6-3, 6-2 victory in one hour and 35 minutes to reach the semifinals.

In another men’s singles quarterfinals, fourth seed Ishaque Eqbal of West Bengal produced a strong performance to oust seventh seed Ajay Malik of Haryana 6-1, 6-2 and advance to the last four.

Meanwhile, in the girls U-18 singles category, Snigdha Kanta of Karnataka upset no. 1 seed Diya Ramesh of Tamil Nadu 6-3, 6-3 in the girls’ quarterfinals, while sixth seed Hruthik Katakam of Telangana staged a fine comeback to beat seed 1, Mahalingam Kandhavel of Tamil Nadu, 1-6, 7-6, 6-1 in the boys’ U-18 quarterfinals. 

Besides the prestigious titles, the winners will be awarded with prize money with a total prize pool of over Rs 21.55 Lakh and Kit Allowance in the junior categories up for grabs. The winners and runners-up in the U16 and U14 singles events will also receive a Tennis scholarship of ₹25,000 each.

The Boys and Girls Under-16 & Under-14 category qualifying and main draw matches will be played from October 5 to October 11.

Acer Unveils “It Lies Within” Theme Song for APAC Predator League 2026 Featuring Nikhita Gandhi

India, September 29, 2025 – Acer has unveiled “It Lies Within – APAC Predator League 2026 Music Video,” an electrifying anthem capturing the energy and spirit of the region’s most anticipated esports tournament. Performed and headlined by acclaimed Indian singer-songwriter Nikhita Gandhi, the music video is a bold celebration of resilience, creativity, and the ever-evolving gaming community.

Created as the official manifesto of Predator League 2026, the music-led campaign sets the stage for the Grand Finale in Delhi, India, on January 10–11, 2026 — the first time India will host this globally recognized esports spectacle. The league, now in its eighth edition, brings together elite teams from across the Asia Pacific to battle it out in Dota 2 and VALORANT.

Gaming Meets Music: A Cultural Anthem

The “It Lies Within” music video goes beyond traditional campaign content. Blending cinematic storytelling, evocative lyrics, and dynamic visuals, the piece positions gaming not just as entertainment but as a powerful force for connection, ambition, and identity. Nikhita Gandhi’s commanding vocal performance and on-screen presence give voice to the unyielding spirit of gamers rising to meet their challenges.

“It Lies Within isn’t just a song—it’s the voice of Predator League 2026,” said Sooraj Balakrishnan, Associate Director – Marketing, Acer India. “It reflects the grit, unity, and passion that define the esports community. As we prepare to welcome the tournament to Delhi, this anthem sets the tone for one of the most exciting esports spectacles in the region.”Nikhita Gandhi on Creating a Movement Through Music

Sharing her thoughts, Nikhita Gandhi said:“Performing It Lies Within was unlike anything I’ve done before—it’s more than a song; it’s a movement. I had a blast rewriting and recreating the anthem to reflect the core of the Predator League—resilience, courage, and teamwork. I hope this becomes the soundtrack that inspires every player and fan on the journey to Delhi.”

Backed by India’s Gaming Creative Powerhouse

The music video was conceptualized and produced by AlphaZegus Marketing, a leading gaming and lifestyle marketing agency known for culture-defining campaigns. The agency ensured the authenticity and pulse of the esports community were brought to life through impactful visuals and storytelling.

“It’s a proud moment to see India hosting the Asia Pacific Predator League for the first time,” said Rohit Agarwal, Founder & Director, AlphaZegus. “Being entrusted with the anthem gave us a chance to showcase the creative force of India’s gaming ecosystem. With Nikhita’s powerful performance, we aimed to deliver a soundtrack that resonates across borders.”

As the Asia Pacific Predator League 2026 gears up for its Delhi debut, Acer is using this music-led campaign to unite gaming, music, and culture. “It Lies Within” not only builds momentum for the grand finale but also reinforces Acer’s long-term vision of empowering and celebrating the global gaming community.

Prime Video Brings Every Ball of New Zealand’s Upcoming 2025-26 Home Season Live to India

MUMBAI, INDIA, September 25, 2025: Prime Video, India’s leading entertainment destination, is set to deliver a thrilling cricket season to fans across the country. The platform announced today that it will exclusively live-stream all matches from New Zealand’s 2025–26 home season, giving Prime members in India front-row access to top-tier international cricket.

From October 1, 2025, to March 2026, viewers can watch the Black Caps and White Ferns in action across all formats Tests, ODIs, and T20Is as New Zealand hosts Australia, England, West Indies, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and more.

Season Highlights:

• October 1–4, 2025: New Zealand vs Australia – 3 T20Is

• October 18 – November 1, 2025: New Zealand vs England – 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs

• November 5 – December 18, 2025: Full tour by West Indies – 5 T20Is, 3 ODIs, 3 Tests

• February – March 2026: White Ferns vs Zimbabwe Women – 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs (first-ever meeting)

• March 2026: New Zealand vs South Africa – 5 T20Is (with double-headers featuring women’s matches)

Matches will be held across nine iconic venues in New Zealand, promising edge-of-the-seat entertainment.

Star-Studded Lineups:

Fans can expect to see Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner for New Zealand; Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis for Australia; Roston Chase and Jomel Warrican for West Indies; and Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma leading South Africa.

On the women’s side, Sophie Devine captains the White Ferns, while Laura Wolvaardt leads a strong South African squad. Zimbabwe Women will be represented by Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza, making their debut series against New Zealand.

Haier India Powers Asia Cup as Gold Sponsor, Boosts Sport-O-Tainment Strategy

India, 8th September 2025: Haier Appliances India, the No.1 major appliances brand for 16 consecutive years, proudly takes a winning shot at the prestigious Asia Cup 2025 as the Gold Sponsor. With cricket being India’s most celebrated sport, this partnership reinforces Haier’s long-term commitment to Sport-o-Tainment marketing, a crucial strategy to deepen connection with India’s premium, young and sports-savvy consumers.

Cricket in India unites millions as it transforms from being a mere sport into an emotion of greater significance. Recognizing this cultural significance, Haier has strategically invested in marquee tournaments to drive Sport-O-Tainment, a core marketing strategy that blends the thrill of sport with captivating entertainment to deliver immersive and memorable consumer experiences. By joining hands with the Asia Cup, Haier will further expand its reach among millions of cricket enthusiasts while strengthening its position as an innovative, consumer-first brand.

Speaking around this partnership, Mr. NS Satish, President, Haier Appliances India, mentioned, “Haier’s association with Asia Cup 2025 reflects our long-term vision of becoming a brand that’s deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of India. Cricket is more than a sport, it’s a national emotion that mirrors our core values of passion, resilience, and innovation. Through this partnership, we aim to forge meaningful connections with India’s new generation of consumers by delivering brand experiences that truly resonate with their aspirations. It also provides a powerful platform to showcase Haier’s cutting-edge innovations, designed to empower smarter living with technology that is intuitive, relevant and crafted for today’s fast-evolving lifestyles.”

As part of this collaboration, Haier will secure prominent on-ground presence and brand visibility across the stadiums, strategically positioning its brand at high-impact touch points throughout the tournament. From perimeter advertising and big-screen integrations to immersive in-stadia activations, Haier will capitalize on the electrifying energy of Asia Cup 2025 to engage fans directly and reinforce a commanding brand presence across every match.

Haier’s sports marketing portfolio encompasses some of the world’s most prestigious tournaments, including the Indian Premier League, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, and Champions Trophy, alongside elite global tennis tournaments such as Roland-Garros, ATP, US Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. This broad investment underscores Haier’s commitment to connecting with diverse, passionate audiences through high-impact, culturally significant sporting platforms.

By strategically aligning with iconic sporting events, Haier continues to stand out in the consumer durables space, capturing hearts and minds, strengthening brand loyalty and driving growth through emotionally resonant engagement. Through this association, Haier will creatively showcase its innovative and premium product portfolio in a way that feels both relatable and culturally relevant. Haier aims to establish meaningful connections with consumers, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in modern Indian households.

NODWIN Gaming joins hands with Chess.com and ChessBase India to build the future of Chess Esports in India

National, June 18, 2025: In a landmark move poised to redefine the future of chess in India, NODWIN Gaming, a leader in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem, has announced a strategic partnership with the world’s largest chess platform, Chess.com and India’s leading chess media and grassroots organisation, ChessBase India. The collaboration brings together three powerhouses from the worlds of esports, content, and competitive chess to create a unified ecosystem that nurtures talent, expands reach, and builds India’s presence on the global chess esports stage.

This strategic alliance unites the complementary strengths of three leaders in the chess and gaming ecosystem. NODWIN Gaming brings deep expertise in production, broadcast, and commercial strategy. ChessBase India offers unmatched access to India’s thriving chess community and grassroots networks. Chess.com contributes its expansive global platform, community, creator partnerships, and world-class tournament infrastructure. Together, they form a unique synergy that will fuel the co-creation and scaling of original IPs, deliver premium competitive formats, spark deeper engagement across both player and creator communities, and deliver great opportunities for brands to partner in the rapidly growing chess ecosystem.

Speaking on the announcement, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, said, “Chess is undergoing a cultural renaissance, from park benches and schoolrooms to sold-out esports arenas and creator streams. Chess has now become the fourth most-watched sport in the country after cricket, kabaddi, and BGMI tournaments. With this partnership, we’re not just supporting a heritage game, we’re aiding in its natural course of progression. By combining each organization’s unique strengths, we’re building a future-ready ecosystem that can take Indian chess from heritage to hype. It’s time the brilliance of our grandmasters meets the energy of our digital generation.”

Chess is getting an accelerated global attention, with over 7.6 billion games played worldwide on Chess.com in 2024 alone. The platform now boasts over 200 million registered users, with India seeing 9 million+ monthly active players, and an average of 550,000 new signups every month. Viewership has skyrocketed with 925 million total organic views, reflecting a 640% year-over-year growth.

The surge in visibility was recently reflected during the World Chess Championship, which was exclusively streamed in India through the combined efforts of NODWIN Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India. The Gukesh Dommaraju-Ding Liren final match, which saw Gukesh being crowned as the World Chess Champion, attracted over 24 million views, with peak concurrent viewership hitting 200,000.

India is central to this surge. Cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai rank among the top chess-viewing regions globally. Indian users are predominantly mobile-first, with 80.9% of viewership on smartphones, and the largest age group being between 18 and 34 years old, highlighting the game’s deep connection with India’s digital-native Gen Z and millennial audiences.

Speaking on the alliance, Sagar Shah, CEO of ChessBase India, said, “This partnership is not just a business alliance — it’s a vision to grow the chess community in India from the grassroots to the grand stage. For the last decade, we’ve focused on building a robust chess culture in the country, and now, with NODWIN and Chess.com by our side, we hope to bring forth more opportunities to all those involved in the chess ecosystem.”

Avadh Shah, Country Director of Chess.com India, said, “Chess has been one of the most dominant and fastest growing sports in the last 3 years across India and the world. In terms of both participation and viewership, chess is experiencing record-breaking numbers—the highest we’ve ever seen. Given the excitement around the sport, it is only fitting that the leading companies within the ecosystem collaborate to further its development and invite partners to join this journey as well.”

The partnership also aligns with the rise of chess as a recognised esports discipline. At the upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, chess will make its debut with a prize pool of $1.5 million. Leading Indian esports organization S8UL is set to represent India in competitive chess at the Esports World Cup with its powerhouse roster of Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram, marking the first-ever representation of an Indian esports team in competitive chess on a global stage. Their involvement underscores the growing recognition of chess as a spectator-friendly, high-skill esport.

As India prepares to make its mark on this new frontier, the alliance between NODWIN Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India promises to build the foundational infrastructure needed for long-term growth, from top-tier broadcasts and influencer-led content to community tournaments and professional leagues.

Together, NODWIN Gaming, ChessBase India, and Chess.com aim to build a robust ecosystem for Indian chess, one that honors the nation’s legacy, empowers creators, and establishes India as a global hub for online competitive chess.

St. Xavier’s Calcutta Becomes First Indian Youth Team in MADCUP Football 2025

St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Calcutta Creates History; The First Indian Youth Team To Participate In the MADCUP Football 2025 In Madrid

KOLKATA, INDIA – June 16, 2025 – St. Xavier’s Collegiate School from Park Street, Calcutta, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first-ever Indian youth team to officially participate in the iconic MADCUP Football Tournament 2025 – the fifth edition of the world’s largest federated international tournament for grassroots football. The prestigious tournament is set to take place in Spain, from 20th June onwards and will be hosted across 32 sporting facilities in Madrid; including iconic venues such as the Atlético de Madrid Sports Centre, Ciudad Deportiva del Real Madrid, and Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas.

A significant moment for Indian youth football on the global stage. The young Kolkata side will test their mettle against youth teams from some of the biggest names in world football, including Real Madrid CF, Atlético de Madrid, Juventus FC, Sevilla FC, CA River Plate, Valencia CF, CD Leganés, and other leading global academies from approximately 40 countries across five continents.

In a truly historic opening group game, team from India will face host club Atlético de Madrid. They are also slated to compete against SO Caillolais, an associate club of Olympique Marseille. This participation continues St. Xavier’s long-standing football legacy, which includes competing in historic Indian tournaments like the Durand Cup and IFA Shield before India’s independence.

Speaking about the team’s historic participation, Senior Teacher, Mr. Farino Torcato, said: “St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata, India participating in the MadCup 2025 is not only the creation of history for our school but for Indian youth football itself. I am not thinking of winning the tournament or something like that but yes, we Xavierians are on a mission to show the world we also know and play football and will leave no stone unturned in making our school, city, state and country proud.”

The school’s participation has been meticulously coordinated by the Father Principal and Vice Principal, with Mr. Farino Torcato and Mr. Romario Topno playing pivotal roles. ‘Trak Only’, the official kit partner for prominent Indian football clubs, will serve as the official kit partner for St. Xavier’s. The journey is also supported by generous sponsors Kamal’s Ice Creams and ICICI Lombard.

Organized by Atlético de Madrid, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), the Government of the Community of Madrid, and UN Tourism; the tournament draws nearly 250,000 spectators and provides invaluable exposure, including access to advanced football technologies. With a focus on instilling values such as respect, hard work, and teamwork through sport. Major Spanish media outlets such as MARCA and DAZN will provide extensive coverage of the event.

Adidas and Manchester United Unveil 2025/26 Home Kit

New Delhi, June 12th, 2025 – Today, adidas unveils the Manchester United Home kit for the 2025/26 season – designed to showcase the essence of the club’s identity in its purest form, paying homage to the rich history and foundational spirit that defines the team. The design of the latest home kit takes inspiration from the club’s stadium Old Trafford and its nickname ‘The Theatre of Dreams’. It’s inspired by the stadium on non-match days and the feeling it evokes to those fortunate enough the stand pitch-side when the stadium is at its quietest. This feeling is brought to life through an abstract sleeve graphic in different shades of red showcasing elements of the pitch, stands and tunnel.

Completing the look is a stylish black and white V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs, the three-stripes running down the shoulders in black, and the adidas logo and sponsor logos in a contrasting white colour. A final nod to the club’s rich heritage is a ‘Theatre of Dreams’ sign-off on the back of the collar.

Juergen Rank, Senior Design Director at adidas said: “The colour red is fundamental to the club’s DNA. There have been many different expressions of it over the years and for this season we wanted to do something a little different, using the sleeves as a canvas. The abstract graphic stays true to the club’s DNA while providing an innovative look at feel to an otherwise classy and classic jersey.”

Crafted for performance and to help provide world-class players with the confidence to play under pressure, the lightweight jerseys feature the latest in adidas technology which has been created in close collaboration with players throughout the development process.

The on-field version of the jersey is constructed with the latest adidas performance apparel technology, using advanced materials to maximize air flow to keep players feeling cool, while the fan version features AEROREADY technology, which uses sweat-wicking or absorbent materials to keep the body feeling dry.

Sabonis and Former WNBA Star Jackson Set to Headline NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore

INDIA, June 12, 2025 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that three-time NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings; Lithuania) and two-time WNBA champion Lauren Jackson (Australia) will headline the inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational, the league’s first regional high-school basketball tournament that will feature boys’ and girls’ teams from 11 countries across Asia-Pacific competing at the Kallang Tennis Hub in Singapore from Wednesday, June 25 – Sunday, June 29 as part of a multiday immersive basketball and entertainment festival.

Sabonis and Jackson will be joined by current Phoenix Suns players Ryan Dunn (U.S.) and Oso Ighodaro (U.S.) and B.LEAGUE player Keisei Tominaga (Japan). NBA Legend Yao Ming (China) will make special appearances, including attending the opening ceremony on June 25. The players and legends will interact with youth participants on-and-off the court throughout the week. The NBA Rising Stars Invitational will also feature live entertainment, including performances by the Los Angeles Lakers dance team, the Laker Girls and Miami Heat mascot Burnie.

Operated by the event agencies of NBA Singapore, the first annual NBA Rising Stars Invitational is part of the league’s multiyear collaboration with Sport Singapore (SportSG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The five-day tournament will tip off with round-robin play from June 25-27 before advancing to single-elimination semi-finals and final games on June 28 and 29. The participating players will also take part in skill development, social responsibility programming and off-court activities promoting cultural exchange. Additionally, top individual performers from the event will have the opportunity to attend future NBA basketball development camps, showcases and programs.

The participating high-school teams were identified in collaboration with local basketball federations and leagues. In the Philippines, the NBA through its local event agency conducted a local qualifying event to determine its representatives. The following is the complete list of teams competing in the NBA Rising Stars Invitational (teams subject to change):

High Stakes: Surfers Gear Up for 6th NMPA Indian Open in Mangalore

Mangalore, May 29, 2025: The surfing spotlight returns to Karnataka’s coastal city of Mangalore as the sixth edition of the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing (NMPA IOS) gets underway tomorrow at the Tannirbhavi Eco Beach. Scheduled from May 30 to June 1, 2025, this is the second stop of the 2025 National Surfing Championship Series. Organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation and hosted by the Mantra Surf Club under the aegis of the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), this year’s edition continues to serve as a pivotal leg in the National Championship series, drawing India’s finest surfing talent for three days of high-stakes competition and valuable ranking points.

Star-Studded Line-Up and Comebacks to Watch

The three-day contest will see over 50 top surfers compete across four divisions: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Groms (U-16) Boys, and Groms (U-16) Girls. Among the biggest highlights for this round is the return of defending National champion Ramesh Budihal and Kishore Kumar, two of India’s top-ranked surfers who missed the previous edition but are now ready to make a statement.

They will join an elite lineup including Harish Muthu, Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani, all of whom have impressed on the Asian circuit in 2024, including standout performances at the Asian Surfing Championship and the Maruhaba Cup. Their performances were key to India securing a 5th place rank in Asia last year and also securing two quotas for Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.

High Swells, Tougher Stakes

Adding a dramatic layer to this year’s edition is the surf forecast, with wave heights predicted between 10 to 12 feet across the competition dates. These powerful swells will demand precision, stamina, and strategy, elevating both the thrill of the contest and the difficulty for competitors. Due to cyclonic activity and unpredictable weather patterns over the Arabian Sea, the ocean may prove to be an unpredictable competitor and play a spoilsport to the event schedule. The heightened challenge will also have implications for national rankings, especially with the Asian Surf Championship 2025, a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games, on the horizon.

A New Challenge at Tannirbhavi Eco Beach

Originally scheduled at Sasihithlu Beach, this year’s competition has been relocated to Tannirbhavi Eco Beach due to unfavourable weather and wave patterns at the former site. While Sasihithlu has been synonymous with the Indian Open of Surfing for years, the new venue promises comparable wave quality while ensuring better safety conditions for surfers and spectators alike.

Sustained Support from Key Partners

This year too, the event continues to enjoy unwavering backing from key partners. The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) returns as the Title Sponsor for the second consecutive year, while Karnataka Tourism presents the championship for the sixth year running. Cycle Pure Agarbathies also continues its association as the Powered By sponsor for the second straight year.

“We’re excited to bring the sixth edition of the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing to the coast of Mangalore. With a strong field of athletes and a challenging forecast of 10–12 ft waves, we are in for an intense and exciting three days of competition. This event wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of New Mangalore Port Authority, Karnataka Tourism, and Cycle Pure Agarbathies, who continue to champion the growth of surfing in India,” said Rammohan Paranjape, Vice President of Surfing Federation of India and Director at Mantra Surf Club.

Scouting Future Talent Through Grom Search Initiatives

In the lead-up to the sixth edition of NMPA IOS, local Grom events have been underway, aiming to unearth the next wave of surfing talent in the region. These grassroots competitions not only build momentum ahead of the national championship, setting the stage for a sustainable pipeline of talent.

New Mangalore Port Authority Returns as Title Sponsor for 6th Indian Open of Surfing

Mangalore, May 26, 2025: The sixth Indian Open of Surfing (IOS), India’s premier national surfing competition sanctioned by the Surfing Federation of India (SFI), the sport’s governing body in the country, have announced the continued support of key sponsors, with the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) returning as Title Sponsor for the second consecutive year. Karnataka Tourism, a long-time supporter of surfing in the state, comes on board as ‘Presented by’ partner for the sixth year running, while Cycle Pure Agarbatti extends its association as the ‘Powered by’ sponsor. The event will be hosted by Mantra Surf Club and organized by the Surfing Swami Foundation under the aegis of SFI, from May 30 to June 1, 2025 at Tannirbhavi Eco Beach, Mangalore.

The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing will see the return of top contenders who made waves on the international stage last year. Kishore Kumar, Harish Muthu, Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani are among the surfers to watch in this edition. Their standout performances at the Asian Surfing Championship and the Maruhaba Cup in 2024, coupled with multiple national titles, underscore their dominance in the Indian surfing scene. With India finishing 5th in Asia last year, these athletes carry forward the country’s momentum and aspirations for international recognition.

Speaking on the renewed partnership, Dr. Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, Chairman, New Mangalore Port Authority, said, “It gives us immense pride to return as the Title Sponsor of the Indian Open of Surfing. Our association with this landmark event aligns with our commitment to support community-focused initiatives that bring socio-economic and cultural value to the region. We firmly believe surfing can transform Mangalore into a global destination for ocean sports and eco-tourism. We look forward to another impactful edition.”

Mr. Mullai Muhilan M P, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada, said, “Karnataka Tourism is proud to continue its long-standing association with the Indian Open of Surfing. Sasihithlu Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty and wave quality that makes it the perfect venue for such events. The state is committed to promoting adventure tourism and coastal development through such platforms.”

Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Partner, NR Group & MD, Cycle Pure Agarbatti, stated, “We’re delighted to continue supporting the Indian Open of Surfing. The sport resonates with our brand’s core values—harmony, sustainability, and community well-being. We’re excited to witness the enthusiasm and energy of India’s top surfers as they compete for national glory.”

The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing is the second stop of the National Surfing Championship series and will witness participation from India’s top-ranked surfers in four competitive categories: Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Groms (U-16) Boys, and Groms (U-16) Girls. With the event playing a decisive role in the national rankings, it is expected to draw intense rivalries and high-caliber performances from across the country.

Mr. Rammohan Paranjape, Vice President, Surfing Federation of India and Director, Mantra Surf Club, shared, “The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing has grown in stature every year, thanks to the continued support from government and corporate partners. Hosting it at the state’s local beaches reflects our commitment to nurturing local surf culture while delivering a world-class sporting experience. We’re confident this year’s edition will further elevate India’s standing on the global surfing map.”

The NMPA Indian Open of Surfing carries even more significance following India’s milestone achievement in 2024, when the national surf team earned its first-ever quotas for a multi-sport event at the Asian Surf Championship in the Maldives, securing two spots for the 2026 Asian Games. With rankings on the line and qualification opportunities at stake for the upcoming Asian Surf Championship—the final selection event for the Asian Games—this year’s IOS becomes a crucial battleground.