WSL returns to India with Shore Temple Classic QS 2000, inaugural Pro Junior event

About 120 surfers from 12 countries are expected for the five-day event, which will feature men’s and women’s competitions in both divisions. The Pro Junior will similarly give younger Indian surfers their first opportunity to earn WSL junior ranking points at home.

Our aim is to push them to the international level and give them the opportunity to move up the rankings. Mahabalipuram was retained because of its consistent break during the East Coast season.

What Happened

The five-day competition window provides some flexibility if conditions deteriorate, although surfers will have to adapt regardless of the size and power of the waves. While this year’s senior event is one tier lower, Vasu said combining it with a Pro Junior.

• The World Surf League (WSL) will return to India after three years with the Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and the country’s inaugural WSL Pro Junior competition at Mahabalipuram from August 12 to 16.

• The QS 2000 winner receives 2,000 Asia Region ranking points, with the regional circuit offering a route to the Challenger Series and, ultimately, the Championship Tour.

• Vasu said the WSL had been keen to return after the infrastructure and organisation it saw in 2023.

Key Details

SFI had realised that concentrating only on senior surfers was insufficient, particularly when countries such as Japan, Indonesia and China were developing competitors from the age of 10 or 12. The lower-tier QS also allows India more wild cards.

• India’s first WSL competition, held at the same venue in 2023, was a QS 3000.

• Sixteen have been set aside, with four each in the men’s and women’s QS 2000 and the men’s and women’s Pro Junior.

• The return of the WSL follows India’s breakthrough at the 2025 Asian Surfing Championships in Mahabalipuram, where Ramesh won the country’s first individual continental medal with a bronze.

Why It Matters

They will be awarded according to the national rankings after the Covelong Classic, scheduled from August 6 to 8. Vasu added that Kishore Kumar and Sivaraj Babu are likely men’s entrants, with Ramesh Budihal also expected to make the field.

• Discussions are under way to stage an event in Little Andaman in March 2027, while Lakshadweep has expressed interest in hosting an international competition.

• We are seriously talking about a WSL event there in March 2027, and it is looking very positive.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Sportstar as more details emerge