Kalaburagi to host landmark ITF W35 women’s tennis tournament

Kalaburagi is set to host its biggest-ever international women’s tennis tournament as the ITF W35 Kalaburagi-2026, a USD 30,000 event, will be held from March 1 to 8 at the Chandrashekar Patil Stadium.

The logo of the tournament was unveiled on Saturday by Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil.

The logo of ITF W35 women’s tennis tournament.
| Photo Credit:
ARUN KULKARNI

Sponsored by the Kalaburagi Next Foundation, the tournament is part of the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour and marks the city’s first W35-level women’s professional event, representing a significant elevation in category and prize money from earlier editions. Kalaburagi had earlier hosted ITF Women’s USD 10,000 events in 2012 and twice in 2015, and the return of international women’s tennis after a decade signals renewed sporting momentum in the region.

The tournament will feature a 32-player singles main draw, preceded by a 32-player qualifying draw, along with a 16-team doubles draw. Qualifying matches will be played on March 1 and 2, with the main draw commencing on March 3. Players from more than 11 countries are expected to participate.

The Indian contingent includes leading and emerging players such as Vaishnavi Adkar, Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty, Ankita Raina, Zeel Desai, Akanksha Dileep Nitture, Shruti Ahlawat and Sonal Patil. Four Indian players- Jennifer Luikham, Soha Sadiq, Sama Chevika Reddy and Amodini Naik- have been awarded main draw wildcards, while five more Indians will compete in the qualifying rounds.

Addressing the media ahead of the event, district in-charge Minister Priyank Kharge said hosting the ITF W35 in Kalaburagi is a significant step in decentralising access to international sport within Karnataka and providing ranking opportunities and exposure to Indian players. He noted that such events would inspire young athletes in North Karnataka and strengthen the State’s position as a leading tennis destination.

Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum said the district administration had worked closely with the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association to ensure seamless arrangements for players, officials and spectators, adding that the event would also showcase Kalaburagi’s hospitality and organisational capabilities on an international platform.

Earlier, speaking at the logo launch, Dr. Patil said hosting international sporting events would provide a major boost to local talent and further establish Kalaburagi as a cultural and sporting hub.

Mr. Kharge, who participated virtually, said efforts were being made to promote Kalaburagi as both a cultural and sports city, and that the tournament would energise women’s tennis in the region.

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