Tumakuru to Host First ITF Women's World Tennis Tour Tournament in 2026
Karnataka's Tennis Scene Gets a Boost
In a remarkable development for Karnataka's tennis landscape, Tumakuru is preparing to host its inaugural ITF Women's World Tennis Tour W35 tournament from May 4 to May 10, 2026, at the Tumkur District Tennis Stadium located within the Tumkur University Campus.
A Milestone for Tumakuru's Tennis History
As per an official announcement, this W35 tournament will mark Tumakuru's second international sporting event and its first ITF Women's tournament in over 20 years. With a prize pool of USD 30,000, this event is part of the global ITF Women's circuit, providing players with essential ranking points and a pathway to the WTA Tour. The tournament is expected to attract a competitive field of both emerging international talents and established Indian players, featuring a 32-player singles main draw along with qualifying rounds. This initiative follows a series of successful international tournaments held in Bengaluru and Kalaburagi, further solidifying Karnataka's position on the global tennis stage and promoting the sport beyond traditional centers.
Local Leaders Celebrate the Event
G Parameshwara, Karnataka's Home Minister and District Incharge Minister, expressed pride in Tumakuru's ability to host such a significant international event after two decades. He emphasized the district's strong sporting culture and the improvements in infrastructure that have made this tournament possible. He also acknowledged the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) for facilitating this opportunity in Tumakuru.
A Look Back at Tumakuru's Tennis Legacy
The upcoming tournament is a historic moment for Tumakuru, which last hosted an international tennis event in 2003, the ATP Challenger (Tumkur Open). This previous event featured notable players like Rohan Bopanna and Prakash Amritraj, with Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber taking home the title. Marcos Baghdatis, who reached the semi-finals, later achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 8.
Karnataka's Vision for Tennis Development
Priyank Kharge, Karnataka's Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Minister and KSLTA's Senior Vice President, highlighted that hosting this international women's tournament aligns with the state's vision to broaden world-class sporting opportunities beyond major urban centers. He noted that districts like Tumakuru are emerging as new sporting hubs, supported by robust infrastructure and grassroots initiatives. This event aims to inspire young athletes across Karnataka to engage in competitive tennis.
Preparation and Commitment from Local Authorities
Despite the lengthy hiatus, Tumakuru has preserved a solid tennis infrastructure at both the university and district levels. The return of an international tournament signifies a revival and advancement for the city's role in India's tennis framework. Subha Kalyan, the Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate of Tumakuru, stated that hosting the ITF W35 tournament is a significant achievement for the district. She assured that all stakeholders are collaborating closely to ensure a well-organized event with high-quality infrastructure and safety measures in place.
Anticipation for High-Quality Tennis
With top players from India and around the world expected to participate, the ITF W35 Tumakuru is set to deliver a week filled with exceptional tennis. This event marks a new chapter in the city's sporting history and further enhances Karnataka's reputation as a vital hub for tennis in India.