Bengaluru, Feb 25 (NationPress) Kalaburagi is set to welcome its most significant international women's tennis event, the ITF W35 Kalaburagi, occurring from March 1 to 8, 2026, at the Chandrashekar Patil Stadium. This prestigious tournament, with a total prize pool of USD 30,000, is part of the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour governed by the International Tennis Federation, marking the city’s first-ever ITF W35-level women’s professional competition.

The tournament features a 32-player singles main draw, commencing after a 32-player qualifying round on March 1, along with a 16-team doubles draw. Matches for the main draw will kick off on March 3. As a part of the ITF W35 category, it offers essential ranking points and an excellent opportunity for players looking to progress to higher-tier events, such as the WTA Tour.

This event has attracted a highly competitive international roster from 11 countries, including Thailand's Achisa Chanta (WR 443) and the Netherlands' Jasmijn Gimbrere (WR 431).

The singles main draw showcases a strong representation from India, led by promising talent Vaishnavi Adkar, who recently achieved the No. 2 ranking in India. She made headlines last week at the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open W100 in Bengaluru by becoming the first Indian woman since Sania Mirza in 2009 to reach an ITF W100-level singles final. Other notable Indian players include Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty and Ankita Raina, both of whom had impressive performances last week in Bengaluru. The main draw also features Zeel Desai, Akanksha Dileep Nitture, Shruti Ahlawat, and Sonal Patil.

Karnataka has demonstrated its capacity to host top-tier international events, including the Davis Cup Qualifiers, Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs, Bengaluru Open ATP 125 Challenger, and the prestigious KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open (W100). The ITF W35 Kalaburagi is the latest addition to the state’s impressive lineup of world-class tennis events.

Commenting on the tournament, Priyank Kharge, Karnataka's Minister for IT BT & RDPR, District Incharge Minister, and Sr. Vice President of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), remarked, “The hosting of the W35 in Kalaburagi is a vital move towards enhancing access to international-level competition within the state. This tournament offers players valuable ranking points and exposure, while also providing young athletes in the region with the chance to experience professional tennis firsthand. Events like this are crucial for bolstering the competitive framework in India and motivating the next generation to engage with the sport confidently and ambitiously. Kalaburagi has previously embraced such events, inspiring many young individuals to take up sports. I am confident that players will have a memorable experience in the historic city of Kalaburagi. The Kalaburagi District Administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, has made comprehensive arrangements for this event with the assistance of KSLTA, marking another step towards establishing Karnataka as the top tennis destination in the country.”

The inclusion of Kalaburagi in the 2026 ITF calendar underscores India's progressive trajectory in international women's tennis. The city has previously hosted ITF Women’s USD 10,000 events in 2012 and two consecutive tournaments in 2015. The upcoming W35 event signifies a substantial elevation in both category and prize money, further solidifying Kalaburagi’s position in the global women's tennis landscape.