Port Blair, 18 Apr :

Little Andaman has recently hosted a national-level surfing competition, marking a notable development in India’s water sports landscape. The event, titled Little Andaman Pro 2026, was conducted at Butler Bay over a period of four days and saw participation from surfers representing different parts of the country.

In the main competition categories, Sivaraj Babu secured the top position in the men’s open division, while Kamali Moorthy emerged as the winner in the women’s open category. Kamali Moorthy also recorded the highest score of the event, making her performance one of the key highlights of the championship.

Apart from traditional surfing events, the competition also included Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) sprint races, expanding the scope of participation. In these events, Dinesh Selvamani won the men’s category, while Vijayalakshmi Irulappan secured the top position in the women’s category.

The championship featured a mix of experienced competitors and emerging surfers, indicating a gradual expansion of the sport’s talent base in India. Participants are understood to be preparing for higher-level competitions, including international events, reflecting a shift toward structured training and competitive exposure.

The event was supported by the Surfing Federation of India along with Andaman and Nicobar Tourism. Officials associated with the आयोजन indicated that such competitions are part of broader efforts to promote water sports activities in the islands and bring them into the national sporting framework.

Butler Bay in Little Andaman is considered suitable for surfing due to its consistent wave patterns, surf-friendly breaks, and relatively less crowded coastline. These natural conditions have contributed to its selection as a venue for national-level events.

The successful conduct of the championship highlights a growing focus on developing surfing as a sport in the region, qwhile also exploring its potential linkage with tourism and local economic activity.

Originally published in Dweep Tulika, Volume IX, Issue No. 1.


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