5th Indian Open Surfing Meet to commence in Mangaluru on May 31

Vartha Bharati | 25-05-2024 | 21:06:00 IST

Representational Image | PC: surfingfederationofindia.org

Mangaluru: The 5th Indian Open of Surfing which is poised to spotlight the talent and skills of India's top surfers will begin from May 31 here.

Among the notable participants are Ramesh Budihal, Kishore Kumar, Harish M, Srikanth D, Manikandan D, Kamali Moorthy, Srishthi Selvam, and Sandhya Arun. These surfers will vie for top honours across four different categories: Men's Open, Women's Open, and Groms U-16 Boys & Girls.

The three-day event which will begin on May 31, commenced with an official inauguration on Friday under the auspices of the New Mangaluru Port Authority, which also serves as the event's title sponsor.

Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, Chairman of the New Mangalore Port Authority, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with the 5th Indian Open of Surfing.

''Supporting surfing, one of the fastest-growing water sports both nationally and globally, is an opportunity we couldn't pass up,'' he said.

''Surfing has transformative potential for the region, positioning Mangalore as a premier destination for adventure enthusiasts. This, in turn, significantly boosts the local economy and empowers the local communities. We take pride in being part of an initiative that brings multifaceted benefits to the region,'' he added.

Mullai Muhilan, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshin Kannada, highlighted the longstanding support from the Karnataka Government and Karnataka Tourism for surfing.

''This support encourages more people to visit beautiful places like Sasihithlu and explore what the state has to offer in terms of tourism development,'' he said.

The organisers expressed their admiration for the surging popularity of surfing in India. As the tournament unfolds, hopes are high for India's rise in the global surfing scene.

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MEA reports more than 200 Indians enlisted in Russian military since 2022; 26 deaths confirmed

20-12-2025 ¦ 20-12-2025 IST

Representational image (PTI)

More than 200 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 are confirmed dead, MEA—The Ministry of External Affairs have informed the Upper house of the Parliament: Rajya Sabha.

In a written response, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, has stated that at least 202 Indians are reported to have joined the Russian army. Among these recruited personnels, 26 have lost their lives; while, seven individuals have been reported missing by Russian authorities. He added that the remains of two deceased Indian nationals were cremated in Russia.

Singh noted that the sustained diplomatic efforts by the Indian government have led to the early discharge of 119 individuals. He further added that the discussions are going smoothly with the Russians to secure the release of the remaining personnel, with efforts underway to facilitate the early discharge of 50 more Indian nationals.

According to the minister, the Union government is in contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, welfare, and prompt return of Indian citizens serving in the Russian army. The issue, he said, is being addressed at multiple levels, including interactions between senior leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.

The said disclosure was made in response to queries raised by Saket Gokhale, the MP of Trinamool Congress, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the MP of INC, regarding the number of Indians allegedly recruited into the military service in Russia; Along with the details of deaths and missing persons reported since 2022.