India Hosts World Surf League After 3-Year Hiatus

The World Surf League (WSL) will resume its presence in India after a three-year hiatus, hosting the Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and the nation's inaugural WSL Pro Junior competition in Mahabalipuram from August 12 to 16. This five-day event is expected to draw around 120 surfers from 12 different countries, featuring both men's and women's divisions.

The Pro Junior competition is particularly significant as it provides younger Indian surfers their first home opportunity to accumulate WSL junior ranking points, aiming to elevate their competitive standing and prepare them for international circuits. The Surfing Federation of India (SFI) president, Arun Vasu, highlighted the importance of these ranking points for progression.

Mahabalipuram was selected for its consistent surf breaks during the East Coast season. This year's senior event, while a tier lower than the previous QS 3000, is combined with the Pro Junior to create a more comprehensive development pathway for Indian surfers, addressing the need to nurture talent from a younger age.

Furthermore, India has secured 16 wild cards for the competitions, distributed across the QS 2000 and Pro Junior events, to be awarded based on national rankings following the Covelong Classic from August 6 to 8. This initiative, alongside support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), aims to enhance surfers' exposure and competitiveness on the global stage.