Bengaluru, March 21 (NationPress) Tumakuru is ready to enhance Karnataka's tennis landscape by hosting its first-ever ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour W35 event from May 4-10 at the Tumkur District Tennis Stadium, situated within the Tumkur University Campus. This W35 tournament will be Tumakuru's second international competition and marks its first ITF Women’s event in over two decades.

The tournament, featuring a prize pool of USD 30,000, is an integral component of the global ITF Women’s circuit, offering players crucial ranking points and a pathway to the WTA Tour. It promises a competitive lineup of rising international talents alongside top Indian players competing in a 32-player singles main draw and qualifying rounds. Following successful international events in Bengaluru and Kalaburagi, this tournament elevates Karnataka's stature on the worldwide tennis stage, demonstrating efforts to expand the sport beyond its traditional hubs.

G. Parameshwara, Minister for Home and District In-charge Minister of Karnataka, expressed, “Hosting an international event of this magnitude is a source of pride for Tumakuru, especially after more than 20 years. This district has a rich sporting culture, and this tournament showcases our advancements in infrastructure and our ongoing commitment to promote global sports events, while also creating opportunities for the youth in the region. I am confident that our District Administration, led by DC Will, will ensure a successful event. I extend my gratitude to KSLTA for their support in bringing this opportunity to Tumakuru.”

The tournament signifies a noteworthy milestone for Tumakuru, which last hosted an international tennis event in 2003—the ATP Challenger (Tumkur Open). That competition featured notable players like Rohan Bopanna and Prakash Amritraj, with Philipp Kohlschreiber from Germany taking home the title. Marcos Baghdatis, who reached the semi-finals and later attained a career-high ranking of World No. 8, also participated in that event. It remains the only international tennis event ever conducted in the city.

Priyank M. Kharge, Minister for IT/BT and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj of Karnataka and Sr. Vice President of KSLTA, stated, “Bringing an international women’s tennis tournament to Tumakuru aligns with our vision of broadening world-class sporting opportunities beyond major cities. It is encouraging to see districts like Tumakuru emerge as new sports hubs, supported by robust infrastructure and grassroots initiatives. This event will not only bolster Karnataka's presence on the global tennis map but also inspire young talent across the state to engage in the sport at a competitive level. I appreciate Hon’ble Dr. Parameshwara for once again putting Tumakuru on the global tennis stage.”

Despite the long hiatus, Tumakuru maintains a strong tennis infrastructure at both the university and district levels. Hosting an international event again symbolizes a revival and progress for the city within India’s tennis landscape.

Subha Kalyan, I.A.S., Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate of Tumakuru, remarked, “Hosting the ITF W35 tournament is a proud achievement for our district. We are collaborating closely with all stakeholders to ensure smooth execution, high-quality infrastructure, and a safe, well-organized event. This tournament will not only enhance Tumakuru's visibility on the international sports map but also create meaningful opportunities for local youth and reinforce grassroots sports development.”

With elite players from India and abroad expected to compete, the ITF W35 Tumakuru promises a week of high-caliber tennis, heralding a new chapter in the city’s athletic history and solidifying Karnataka’s reputation as a significant center for the sport in India.