World Surf League returns to India with Shore Temple Classic and first Pro Junior

The World Surf League (WSL) will return to India later this month with the Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and the country's first-ever Pro Junior event, scheduled to take place from August 12 to 16 at Mahabalipuram Beach in Tamil Nadu.

The event marks the WSL's second visit to India after the country's inaugural Qualifying Series competition was held in 2023. It will feature both men's and women's competitions in the QS 2000 and Junior Qualifying Series (JQS), offering valuable ranking points for surfers aiming to progress to the Challenger Series and eventually the Championship Tour.

Around 100 international surfers to compete in Mahabalipuram

The Shore Temple Classic is expected to attract around 100 surfers from 12 countries across the Asia region. The competition will be staged at Mahabalipuram's renowned right-hand point break, with daily action beginning at 6:30 am, subject to weather and wave conditions.

"The WSL is excited to return to India following a successful debut in 2023 and to bring the country's first Pro Junior alongside the QS in 2026. It is a fantastic opportunity for local surfers to compete alongside some of the region's best," said Ty Sorati, WSL APAC Tour Director.

Surfing Federation of India President Arun Vasu said hosting international events on home soil provides Indian surfers with an important pathway to higher levels of competition.

"Our goal is to expand this into four additional WSL events in India, creating a clear pathway for our surfers towards the Challenger Series and Championship Tour. These competitions also showcase India's world-class waves and help grow coastal tourism," he said.

The event is being organised in partnership with the Surfing Federation of India and the Tamil Nadu Surfing Association, with support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT).

The QS 2000 competition will feature 64 men and 32 women, while the inaugural Pro Junior event will include 32 men's and 24 women's competitors.