Indian Open of Surfing to kick off in Mangaluru today

The Sasihithlu beach near here is all set for the second edition of ‘Indian Open of Surfing 2017’ beginning Friday.
With already 150 surfing enthusiasts from different parts of the country enrolling online, it has scaled in popularity, evident with 40 more entries this time.

In all, 110 surfers had taken part in its maiden edition in 2016, says Yathish Bykampady, chief executive officer of Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project, who is also involved in organising the event.

Apart from local talent representing Mantra, Stoked and other surfing clubs, young surfing enthusiasts from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have arrived in hordes.

A 15-member team from Salty Bone Divers club arrived on Thursday morning, while an equal number of surfers are expected in the second batch later, said its team leader Manimaran.

The district administration has made all preparations for the three-day event.

Arrangements for free food and accommodation have been made at National Institute of Technology-Karnataka campus.

Waste bins have been placed to check littering. Weeds have been cleared to ensure sufficient space for parking vehicles.

Bollywood star Suneil Shetty, a Mangalurean, is expected to grace the occasion as ambassador, along with former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes.

Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge will inaugurate the event at 10 am, in the presence of district in-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai, Medium and Large Scale Industries Minister R V Deshpande, Moodbidri MLA K Abhaychandra Jain and others.