National Ultimate Frisbee Event at Mangalore Concludes with Chennai Teams Dominating
Mangalore: The India Ultimate Beach Nationals 2026 concluded on a high note in Mangalore, as the coastal city played host to a vibrant display of athleticism and sportsmanship. Over 500 athletes, representing more than 25 teams from across the nation, converged at Blue Bay Thannirbhavi Eco Beach to compete for top honors in the premier Ultimate Frisbee competition. The event, sanctioned by India Ultimate (IU) and conducted by the Karnataka Ultimate Players Association (KUPA) with support from the local Mangalore team, “Kudla Kai,” witnessed a strong showing from Chennai-based teams, who secured the majority of the top positions. Teams from Odisha were recognized for their commitment to the spirit of the game, receiving the coveted Spirit of the Game Awards.
The tournament featured competition in two categories: Opens (Mixed Men and Women) and Women’s.
In the Opens category, Chennai teams demonstrated their dominance. Puyal from Chennai secured the 2nd Runners-up position, followed by Stall 7, also from Chennai, who claimed the 1st Runners-up title. The Hyenas, another Chennai-based team, emerged as the Winners. The Mega Turtles from Odisha were awarded the Spirit of the Game Award for the Opens category, highlighting their commitment to fair play and sportsmanship.
The Women’s category also saw Chennai teams making a significant impact. Callahans from Chennai secured the 2nd Runners-up position. Airbenders from Bengaluru secured the 1st Runners-up position, while Valai from Chennai were crowned the Winners. The Ultimate Turtles of Odisha received the Spirit of the Game Award for the Women’s category.
The valedictory ceremony was held at the Yakshagana Arch of Blue Bay Thannirbhavi Eco Beach. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Yatish Baikampady, member of the Coastal Tourism Development Program; Mr. Sharan Shetty, Chair of Young Indians Mangalore Chapter; Mr. Alex Sebastian, CEO of India Ultimate; Mr. Abhijit Kumar, President of Karnataka Ultimate Players Association (KUPA); Jatin Meena from the Kudla Kai frisbee team; and Suhani Bedi, who has represented India in the Women’s Internationals. Members from Mangalore Ultimate, the local organizing committee, were also present at the occasion. The event was compered by RJ Sudeep.
Castle-The House of Bakes, Kelarai, provided catering for the athletes, who were treated to the local Mangalorean cuisine. The event was documented by Mr. Aditya Raphael Pinto and Ms. Swaramika Chatterjee from Nitte Institute of Communication (NICO).
The event served to promote the sport of Ultimate Frisbee to the Mangalore community and expose athletes from across India to Mangalore’s culture and hospitality.
Young Indians Mangalore Chapter and Blue Bay Thannirbhavi Eco Beach supported the event.
The organizers have extended an invitation to those interested in learning and playing Ultimate Frisbee to join their free sessions held at Chitrapura Beach and Mangala Magnus turf in Neermarga on weekends. They can be contacted via Instagram at @mangalore.ultimate or via WhatsApp at 7019392914.
About Beach Nationals:
The Beach Nationals is a premier Ultimate Frisbee competition in India. It is sanctioned by India Ultimate (IU) and conducted by KUPA with the support of “Kudla Kai”. The championship featured 25 teams from across India, with participation exceeding 500 athletes, along with officials and support staff.
About Kudla Kai:
Kudla Kai is the only Ultimate Frisbee team from Mangalore. Founded in 2024, this marks their first competitive season. They have participated in four tournaments thus far: Sakkath, Coimbatore, Indian Ultimate Mixed Regionals (South West), Bangalore, Indian Ultimate Mixed Challenger Nationals, Bangalore, and Indian Ultimate Opens Regionals (South West), Bangalore. The team finished in 3rd place in their first competitive season (2025-26).
About Ultimate Frisbee:
Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact mixed gender sport inspired by Rugby, Football, and Basketball. The first team to reach 13 points, or the team with the higher point count at the end of the stipulated game time, wins. Players score by catching the Frisbee at the marked End Zones. Players cannot run with the disc in hand and must pass it to other players.
Photos: NICO Media Team
