Shore Temple Classic Inaugurated in Mahabalipuram as World Surf League Returns to India
Mahabalipuram: The Shore Temple Classic — WSL QS 2000 & Pro Junior (JQS) was officially inaugurated in Mahabalipuram on Tuesday, marking the return of the World Surf League (WSL) to India for the first time since 2023 and the country’s first-ever Pro Junior surfing event.
The five-day competition will be held at Mahabalipuram Beach from August 12 to 16, bringing around 100 surfers to the Tamil Nadu coast.
The grand opening ceremony was held at the Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram, in the presence of officials from the Tamil Nadu government, the sporting community and the international surfing fraternity.
The ceremony was presided over by Sandeep Nanduri, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department, who attended as the Chief Guest. J. Meghanatha Reddy, Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), was the Guest of Honour.
The event began with the traditional Tamil Thai Vazhthu. The chief guest and guest of honour were felicitated with mementos by Arun Vasu, President, Surfing Federation of India (SFI), in recognition of their support for the development of surfing in the country.
WSL returns to India
Addressing the gathering, Ty Sorati, WSL APAC Tour Director, spoke about the league’s return to India and its efforts to develop professional surfing across the Asia-Pacific region.
A video presentation highlighting the global reach of the World Surf League and the significance of the Shore Temple Classic on the WSL Asia Pacific circuit was also screened during the ceremony.
The official competition jerseys for the event were unveiled during the ceremony in the presence of athletes, officials and guests.
SFI President Arun Vasu, in his vote of thanks, reiterated India’s ambition to host more WSL events and establish a competitive pathway for Indian surfers towards the Challenger Series, Championship Tour and the LA 2028 Olympics.
Around 100 athletes to compete
The Shore Temple Classic will feature around 100 athletes from 10 countries — Australia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand and the United States.
The competition will be conducted across four divisions:
- Men’s QS 2000
- Women’s QS 2000
- Men’s Pro Junior (JQS)
- Women’s Pro Junior (JQS)
Competition is scheduled to begin at 6:30 AM each day, subject to wave conditions.
The event is organised by the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) and the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association (TNSA) and is sanctioned by the World Surf League.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) are supporting the event as government sponsors. TT Group is the principal sponsor, while Bisleri is the official Hydration Partner.
Marmoris Lounge and Sea Breeze Resort are the Venue Partners. Madras Chronicle Bay Resort & Spa and Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram are the Hospitality Partners, while Chettinad Health City is the Medical Partner.
