Sri Vijaya Puram, April 6: In a significant milestone for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Department of Tourism, in association with the Surfing Federation of India, is set to host a national-level surfing championship titled ‘Little Andaman Pro2026’ in Little Andaman for the very first time. The championship will be held from April 9 to 12 at the scenic Butler Bay Beach, marking the beginning of a new era for water sports in the Islands.
The ‘Little Andaman Pro2026’ assumes greater significance as it debuts in a highly anticipated season for Indian surfing, just ahead of India’s first-ever surfing campaign at the upcoming Asian Games 2026 in Japan. The four-day championship will witness participation of around 86 surfers, including international competitors, who will compete across multiple categories such as Men’s Open Surfing Shortboard, Women’s Open Surfing Shortboard, Men’s Open Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP), and Women’s Open Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP). Adding further prestige to the event, internationally acclaimed Judge Mr. Rory Symes from Australia has been appointed as the Head Judge. With the hosting of the Little Andaman Pro 2026, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are set to script a new chapter in adventure tourism and water sports, firmly establishing Little Andaman as an emerging destination for surfing in India.
The event was formally inaugurated today at Megapode Nest by Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS in the presence of Senior Officers of the A&N Administration, representatives of the Surfing Federation of India, and a large gathering of surfers from across the country. The inauguration ceremony reflected the growing importance of adventure tourism and the Administration’s commitment to promoting the Islands as a hub for global sporting events.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary expressed his happiness over the organisation of such a prestigious event in Little Andaman, stating that it would significantly enhance the global visibility of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He highlighted the wide range of water-based and adventure activities already popular in the Islands, including scuba diving and game fishing, and spoke about the strong sporting culture in disciplines such as Football, Cycling, Kayaking & Rowing, where athletes from the Islands have brought laurels to the nation.
Emphasising the importance of youth participation, he expressed hope that witnessing top surfers in action would inspire local youth to take up surfing and other water sports. He noted that any sport thrives when it is embraced by the younger generation and encouraged the participants to showcase their best performances while upholding the spirit of sportsmanship and unity.
In her address, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (IP&T), Ms. Chanchal Yadav, IAS said that the overwhelming response from the surfers across India is unbelievable. She said that surfing is one of the most popular water sports in the world and is growing phenomenally. This is the first of the beginning to bring world’s most popular and premier water sports to the Islands, which the Commissioner said the remarkable event, the Tourism Department has put up. She further stated that by seeing the surfers from different parts of the country in action, islanders especially youth & athletes will take courage to venture into this field and join this sport. This event will surely become a tourism driver, and it is expected that this premium sport will drive a lot of high-end tourists as well as adventurous tourists to Little Andaman, the Commissioner added.
In her address, the Secretary (IP&T), Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, said that this Surfing event is significant for A&N Islands, as it marks a pioneering initiative led by the Department of Tourism in association with Surfing Federation of India to host a national-level surfing championship in Little Andaman. This is not merely the inauguration of a sporting competition, but the beginning of a long-term vision-to establish Little Andaman as a premiere destination for surfing & water sports, and to position it firmly on the national & global tourism map.
Shri Jehan Driver, General Secretary and Nawaz Jabbar, Director, Surfing Federation of India expressed their happiness to the A&N Administration for their wholehearted support provided to the Federation to organise the event, which they said is the fulfilment of their dreams and the entire team from across India to surf in the picturesque A&N Islands. The other members of the team also spoke expressing their delight to surf in the waters of Little Andaman which will be a great fun and competitiveness.
Proposing vote of thanks, the Director (IP&T), Shri Vinayak Chamadia, IAS, said that for the first time surfing competition of national scale is taking place in A&N Islands. He also wished the surfers an enjoyable, fun filled & spirited surfing competition in Little Andaman.