Mamallapuram to Host 2025 Asian Surfing Championships: A Platform for Local and International Talent

Salt in the air, boards on the shore and a rising tide of excitement; Mamallapuram is gearing up to host the 2025 Asian Surfing Championships from Aug 3 to Aug 12 where surfers from 20 Asian countries will compete not just for medals, but for a spot at the 2026 Asian Games.

Organised by the Asian Surfing Federation (ASF) and supported by the Tamil Nadu govt and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), the championships will be held at Mamallapuram’s right-hand point break, often referred to as “Mini Snapper Rocks” by the surf community.

The 10-day championship will feature four shortboard divisions: Open Men, Open Women, Under-18 Boys, and Under-18 Girls. Surfers will compete for gold, silver, bronze, and copper medals.

The winners of the Open Men and Open Women divisions will earn direct entry into the SurfCity El Salvador ALAS Global Finals, to be held in Nov.Among the participants is 13-year-old Wan-Yu Chen, a champion shortboard surfer from China. “Surfing events like this are always a great mix of challenge and community, and Mamallapuram’s unique waves make it even more exciting,” she says. Chen says she has been focusing on improving her paddle strength and overall endurance.

“I feel ready and excited to give it my best.”While global talents such as Chen prepare to make their mark, the championship is also offering local surfers a platform. “Our training has been intense, but we still enjoy the process. Since I have surfed in Mamallapuram and also trained with my team here, I’ll have a competitive advantage over surfers from other countries,” says Srikanth D, a surfer from Tamil Nadu.Organisers are rolling out outreach programmes for coastal and fishing communities such as free surf clinics for children from nearby villages.“There will also be water safety and rescue workshops to equip local youth with basic lifesaving skills. With career awareness sessions we hope to introduce opportunities in surf coaching, event management and eco-tourism,” says Arun Vasu, president of SFI. “To generate wider community interest, the event will feature surf exhibitions, movie screenings and demo days. Local surf schools and NGOs will help identify promising young surfers, who may be offered training support and scholarships. We have amazing talent in the state and our goal is to help them achieve their potential,” says Vasu.Email your feedback with name and address to [email protected]