Surfing Indian Open 2023: Kishore Kumar, P Kamali crowned champions in men's and women's section

Both surfers were crowned champions in U-16 (Groms) and the Open category

Tamil Nadu’s teenage sensations, Kishore Kumar and P. Kamali swept through the top honors in both the men’s and women’s categories viz: Groms and Open to be crowned as the Men’s and Women’s champion respectively in the 4th edition of Surfing Indian Open 2023. After winning titles in their categories (Boy and Girl Groms), they also punched their weight above everyone with their scintillating performances to win the Open Men and Women categories to be crowned as the champions.

The three-day premier surfing competition of India which was hosted by Mantra Surf Club at Sashithlu beach, Mangalore, Karnataka is the official national championship of the Surfing Federation of India and also recognized by the International Surfing Association. The event has got a major support from Karnataka Tourism for a fourth time in a row while Cycle Pure Agarbathies and Jai Hind Group for the first time have joined the competition as Principal Partners.

Kishore walked away with a cash prize of 50,000 INR, followed by Srikanth D, 30,000 INR and Surya P, 20,000 INR in Men’s Open category. Kamali was handed over the cheque of 30,000 INR for securing first position in Women’s Open category followed by Sugar 20,000 INR and Sinchana, 10,000 INR for second and third position respectively.  In Groms boys 16 & under category, Kishore (20,000 INR); Tayin Arun (15,000 INR) and Harish P (10, 000 INR) got the cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively. Groms girls 16 & under category saw Kamali, Thanishka and Saanvi winning cash prizes of 20,000; 15,000 & 10,000 respectively.

Speaking after the tournament, Mr. Abhay Chandra Jain, President, Ex Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Karnataka State, said, “Sasihithlu beach is very prominent for the sport of surfing. Manyra Surf CLub has started and supported this sport. Sasihithlu is the best destination. I assure you all that for the next event, we will get the Tourism Minister Government of Karnataka and bring an international event to his venue.”

“I would like to congratulate all the surfers who participated in Indian Open of Surfing and displayed some best surfing even in the stiff and challenging conditions. The Federation has had a good start with this championship and we are committed to deliver such top class championships in the season. We are also thankful to the sponsors who unconditionally supported us in the successful conduct of this event”, said, Ram Mohan Paranjape, Vice President, Surfing Federation of India and Partner, Mantra Surf Club.

The day began with the semifinals of the men’s open surf category which saw Tamil Nadu’s teenager Kishore Kumar maneuvering majestically on waters, thereby advancing to the finals with a highest score of 14.00 in the category and was joined by the home state surfers, Srikanth D (11.66), Surya P (11.0) and Sathish Saravanan (7.93).

From there, Kishore never looked back as the finals of the men’s open surf category were a treat to watch where the young land Kishore competed against more experienced surfers and emerged as a champion with a 15.67 scores in the finals while runner up Srikanth D earned 12.90 followed by Surya P (9.14).

In the Surfing Groms 16 & Under Boys category with 15.07 points Kishore Kumar was successfully abled to retain the title from last edition. Tamil Nadu’s Tayin Arun & Harish P finished as the runner’s up & the third position with a total of 8.97 & 6.27 points respectively.

Speaking after winning double title, Kishore said, “I would like to thank my coaches at Surf Turf for all the support that I have received from them. I am very happy to win two titles in a day and these wins will surely uplift my confidence to perform well in the upcoming championships and events.”

The surfing women’s open competition saw 14-year-old Tamil Nadu’s P. Kamali snatching the title from Goa’s surfer and defending champion Sugar Shanthi Banarse. Kamali who had initially registered for the Surfing Groms 16 & Under Girls category was brave enough to take the chance of competing in the Women’s open category and impressed everyone with her skills and surfing from the start. She scored a total of 12.07 points while runner’s up Sugar Banarse earned 10.40 points. Karnataka’s only hope in this category, Sinchana Gowda finished third with 5.93 points.

P. Kamali also secured the title in the  Surfing Groms 16 & Under Girls category. Kamali earned a total of 16.84 points, the highest score of the tournament on all days. Local girl, Thanishka Mendon from Aquatic Indica Surf School, Mangalore finished as the runner’s up with a total of 06.43 points. Another Mangalorean surfer Saanvi Hegde finished third with a total of 6.0 points.

Speaking post her double wins, Kamali said, “I am very happy and grateful to the Surfing Federation of India and the judges for allowing me to participate in both female categories and winning both the titles give me immense pleasure. The winning moments will be cherished for a long time”.

The day came to an end with an energetic performance from locals who performed a folk-dance form of Karnataka called Chende along with a Jugalbandi of flute. Other corporate houses, Rohan Corporation, Jain Tubes, Northern Sky by Novigo Solutions, Code Craft, Semnox and TT Group extended their support to the event.