Kalaburagi will host its first ITF W35-level women's professional tennis event from March 1 to 8, 2026, at the Chandrashekar Patil Stadium. The US$30,000 tournament features players from 11 countries and offers key ranking points for aspiring WTA competitors. Indian talents like Vaishnavi Adkar headline the strong local contingent.
The ITF W35 Kalaburagi tournament marks a significant milestone for the city, as it becomes the host of its largest international women's tennis event to date. Organized under the International Tennis Federation's Women’s World Tennis Tour, the competition includes a 32-player singles main draw and a 16-team doubles draw. Qualifying rounds begin on March 1, with main draw matches starting on March 3.
A competitive field from 11 countries will participate, including Thailand's Achisa Chanta, ranked 443 in the world, and the Netherlands' Jasmijn Gimbrere, ranked 431. The Indian contingent features rising star Vaishnavi Adkar, who recently became India's world number two and reached the singles final at last week's ITF Women’s Open W100 in Bengaluru—the first Indian woman to do so since Sania Mirza in 2009. She will be joined by Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty, Ankita Raina, Zeel Desai, Akanksha Dileep Nitture, Shruti Ahlawat, and Sonal Patil, all entered in the singles main draw.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, who serves as vice president of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association, emphasized the event's importance. “Hosting the W35 in Kalaburagi is an important step in expanding access to international-level competition within the state," he stated. “This tournament provides players with valuable ranking points and exposure, while giving young athletes in the region the opportunity to witness professional tennis up close. We believe events like this play a crucial role in strengthening the competitive structure in India and inspiring the next generation to pursue the sport with greater confidence and ambition."
Kharge added that previous events in Kalaburagi have inspired local youth, and the district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, has coordinated with the association for smooth arrangements. The state has a track record of hosting major tennis events, including Davis Cup qualifiers and the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open W100.
Kalaburagi previously hosted ITF Women’s US$10,000 events in 2012 and 2015, making this W35 a notable upgrade in scale and prize money, further boosting India's presence in international women's tennis.