Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil along with officials released the logo of ITF W35 women’s tennis tournament in Kalaburagi on Saturday. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI
Kalaburagi will host its biggest ever international women’s tennis tournament as the ITF W35 Kalaburagi-2026, a USD 30,000 tournament, will be held from March 1 to 8 at the Chandrashekar Patil Stadium.
The logo of the tournament was unveiled by Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil on Saturday.
ITF W35 women’s tennis tournament logo. | 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 first W35-level women’s professional event in the city, a significant upgrade in category and prize money from previous editions. Kalaburagi previously hosted the ITF Women’s US$10,000 tournaments in 2012 and twice in 2015, and the return of international women’s tennis after a decade signals a renewed sporting dynamism in the region.
The tournament will feature a 32-man singles main draw, preceded by a 32-man qualifying draw along with a 16-team doubles draw. The qualifying matches will be played on March 1 and 2, with the main draw starting on March 3. Players from more than 11 countries are expected to participate.
The Indian contingent includes leading and emerging players like 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 wild cards, while five more Indians will compete in the qualifying rounds.
Addressing the media ahead of the event, District Minister Priyank Kharge said that hosting ITF W35 in Kalaburagi is a significant step in decentralizing access to international sports in Karnataka and providing opportunities for ranking 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 premier tennis destination.
Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum said the district administration has worked closely with the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association to ensure seamless arrangements for players, officials and spectators, adding that the event will also showcase Kalaburagi’s hospitality and organizational skills on an international platform.
Dr. Earlier while unveiling the logo, Patil said that hosting international sporting events will provide a lot of support to local talent and further establish Kalaburagi as a cultural and sports hub.
Mr. Kharge, who participated virtually, said efforts were being made to promote Kalaburagi as a cultural and sports city and the tournament would boost women’s tennis in the region.
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Published – 28 Feb 2026 23:52 IST
