- Japan’s Young Surfing Talent Impresses on Day 1 as Indian Surfers Make Their Mark at India’s First-Ever Pro Junior
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India — August 12, 2026: The Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and Pro Junior got underway today at Mahabalipuram Beach, marking the return of World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series competition to India and the country’s first-ever Pro Junior event. Surfers from across the Asia region and beyond took on Mahabalipuram’s long right-handers, with competitive action across the Men’s and Women’s QS 2000 and Men’s Pro Junior divisions.
Japan’s Keanu Kamiyama (JPN) was among the standout performers in the Men’s QS 2000, posting a strong 13.67 in Round 48 to win his heat, while India’s Srikanth Dhanasekaran (IND) advanced in second with 9.63. Japan continued to set the pace, with Taro Matsuno (JPN) scoring 12.50, Masamune Uno (JPN) 11.60 and Raimu Yamamoto (JPN) 11.33.
Indian surfers made a strong impact throughout the opening rounds. Ruban Vasu (IND) won his Round 56 heat with 8.50, while Praveen Rathod (IND) and Nithish Varun (IND) also won their respective heats. In Round 48, Harish Muthu (IND), Sanjay Selvamani (IND), Tayin Arun (IND) and Ajeesh Ali (IND) were among the Indian surfers to advance, keeping the home challenge alive.
In the Women’s QS 2000, Japan’s Arisa Ishii (JPN) produced the highest score of the round with an impressive 12.44, winning her heat by 6.94 points. Indonesia’s Lidia Kato (INA) scored 10.27, while Thailand’s Isabel Higgs (THA) posted 9.83. Indian surfers Shrishti Selvam, Ishita Suhas Malaviya, Sandhya Arunkumar and Devi Ramanathan also competed in the opening round.
The inaugural Men’s Pro Junior delivered some of the day’s highest scores, led by Japan’s Raimu Yamamoto (JPN) with a standout 15.03, followed by Taki Kanazawa (JPN) with 14.83 and Ren Okano (JPN) with 13.34. India’s Kishore Kumar (IND) produced one of the strongest performances for the home contingent, scoring 9.60 to finish second in his heat and advance to the Round of 16.
Competition at the Shore Temple Classic QS 2000 and Pro Junior continues tomorrow, with action scheduled to begin from 6:30 AM, subject to wave and ocean conditions. The event continues to provide Indian surfers with an important opportunity to compete on home waters for valuable Asia Region ranking points and international experience.
The Shore Temple Classic 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.
