Kalaburagi to Host Major International Women's Tennis Tournament in 2026

Kalaburagi Welcomes ITF W35 Women's Tennis Tournament

Kalaburagi, Karnataka, is gearing up to host its largest international women's tennis event, the ITF W35 Kalaburagi, scheduled from March 1 to 8, 2026, at the Chandrashekar Patil Stadium.

This tournament, boasting a prize pool of USD 30,000, is part of the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour, overseen by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). It marks the city’s inaugural ITF W35-level professional women’s competition, as stated in a press release from the ITF.

The event will feature a main draw of 32 singles players, with a qualifying round also comprising 32 players starting on March 1, alongside a doubles draw of 16 teams. Matches for the main draw will kick off on March 3. As an ITF W35 event, it provides essential ranking points and serves as a stepping stone for players aiming to advance to higher-tier tournaments, including the WTA Tour.

Competitors from 11 countries are set to participate, including Achisa Chanta from Thailand (WR 443) and Jasmijn Gimbrere from the Netherlands (WR 431).

Indian talent will be prominently featured, led by Vaishnavi Adkar, who recently achieved the rank of India’s number two and made history by reaching the singles final at the ITF Women’s Open W100 in Bengaluru, a feat not accomplished by an Indian woman since Sania Mirza in 2009.

Joining her are Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty and Ankita Raina, both of whom showcased strong performances in Bengaluru last week. Other notable players in the main draw include Zeel Desai, Akanksha Dileep Nitture, Shruti Ahlawat, and Sonal Patil.

Karnataka has proven its capability to host high-profile international events, including the Davis Cup Qualifiers, Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs, the Bengaluru Open ATP 125 Challenger, and the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open (W100), which is the highest-value women’s ITF tournament in India. The ITF W35 Kalaburagi adds to the state’s impressive lineup of world-class tennis events.

Priyank Kharge, Karnataka’s Minister for IT BT & RDPR, District Incharge Minister, and Vice President of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), remarked, “Bringing the W35 to Kalaburagi is a significant move towards enhancing access to international competition in our state. This tournament not only offers players valuable ranking points but also allows young athletes in the area to experience professional tennis firsthand. We believe such events are vital for strengthening India’s competitive framework and motivating the next generation to engage with the sport more confidently and ambitiously.”

He further noted, “Kalaburagi has previously embraced similar events, inspiring many young individuals to pursue sports. I am confident that players will have a memorable experience in this historic city. The Kalaburagi District Administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, has made extensive arrangements for the event with support from KSLTA. This is another step towards establishing Karnataka as a premier tennis destination in the country.”

Kalaburagi’s inclusion in the 2026 ITF calendar underscores India’s ongoing development in the international women’s tennis arena. The city has hosted ITF Women’s USD 10,000 events in 2012 and two consecutive editions in 2015. The upcoming W35 tournament signifies a substantial upgrade in both category and prize money, further elevating Kalaburagi’s status in the global women’s tennis landscape.