SHORE TEMPLE CLASSIC OFFICIALLY INAUGURATED IN MAHABALIPURAM WITH GRAND OPENING CEREMONY AS ‘WORLD SURF LEAGUE’ RETURNS TO INDIA
The Shore Temple Classic — WSL QS 2000 & Pro Junior (JQS) was officially inaugurated today, 11th August 2026, at a Grand Opening Ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram, 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 event.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests from the Government of Tamil Nadu, the sporting community and the international surfing fraternity, setting the stage for five days of world-class professional surfing competition at Mahabalipuram Beach from 12th to 16th August 2026.
The Opening Ceremony was presided over by:
- Chief Guest: Mr. Sandeep Nanduri, IAS — Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department
- Guests of Honour: Mr. J. Meghanatha Reddy — Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT)
- Dr. M. Veerappan, IAS — District Collector, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
The evening commenced with the traditional Tamil Thai Vazhthu invocation. The Chief Guest and Guests of Honour were felicitated with mementos by Surfing Federation of India President Mr. Arun Vasu, in recognition of their support for the development of surfing in India.
The World Surf League event features athletes from 10 countries: Australia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, Sweden, Thailand and the USA
WSL APAC Tour Director Mr. Ty Sorati addressed the gathering, expressing the World Surf League’s excitement at returning to India and its commitment to building professional surfing in the Asia Pacific region.
A special WSL video presentation showcased the global reach of the league and the significance of the Shore Temple Classic on the WSL Asia Pacific circuit.
The highlight of the evening was the much-anticipated Jersey Unveiling. The official competition jerseys for the Shore Temple Classic were unveiled by the Chief Guest to a resounding reception from athletes, officials and the audience.
SFI President Mr. Arun Vasu delivered the Vote of Thanks, reaffirming India’s ambition to grow the number of WSL events on Indian shores and create a clear competitive pathway for Indian surfers towards the Challenger Series, Championship Tour and the LA 2028 Olympics.
The Shore Temple Classic will see approximately 100 athletes from 10 countries compete across four divisions — Men’s & Women’s QS 2000 and Men’s & Women’s Pro Junior (JQS) — at Mahabalipuram Beach from 12th to 16th August 2026. Competition commences daily at 6:30 AM, subject to wave conditions.
The event is organised by the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) and the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association (TNSA), sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL).
The event is proudly supported by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) as government sponsors, and TT Group as the principal sponsor. Bisleri is the official Hydration Partner of the event. Marmoris Lounge and Sea Breeze Resort serve as the official Venue Partners, with Madras Chronicle Bay Resort & Spa and Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram as the official Hospitality Partners. Chettinad Health City is the official Medical Partner for the event.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.
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