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umakuru, May 3: In a significant milestone for Indian tennis, the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) is set to bring international tennis back to Tumakuru with the hosting of the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour W35 tournament from May 4–10, 2026.

Often seen as a quiet town on the outskirts of Bengaluru, Tumakuru is now preparing to step into the international spotlight once again. The upcoming tournament rekindles memories of the historic Tumkur Open 2003 ATP Challenger — the only time the city hosted a global tennis event. That tournament, part of the ATP Challenger circuit, featured emerging stars such as Rohan Bopanna and Prakash Amritraj, with Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber going on to lift the title.

The upcoming W35 event signals a revival of that legacy while aligning with Karnataka’s broader vision of decentralising world-class sporting events.

A Renewed Sporting Destination

The tournament will be staged at the Tumkur District Tennis Stadium, located within the Tumkur University campus — a venue that has undergone extensive upgrades in recent months. With proactive backing from the district administration, the facility has been redeveloped to meet international standards, underlining a clear commitment to building sporting infrastructure beyond traditional urban centres.

The ITF Women’s W35 event, offering USD 30,000 in prize money, will feature a 32-player singles main draw along with a competitive qualifying field, providing crucial ranking points on the global circuit.

Karnataka’s Multi-City Tennis Growth

Tumakuru’s inclusion in the international calendar reflects a wider movement across Karnataka. While Bengaluru continues to host marquee events, cities like Dharwad, Davanagere, Mysore and Kalaburagi have recently stepped up, successfully organising ITF tournaments at the W35 level earlier this year.

With Tumakuru now joining this growing list, Karnataka is fast emerging as a multi-city hub for international tennis — a model that strengthens both grassroots access and elite competition pathways.

Dr. G. Parameshwara, Hon’ble Home Minister and District In-charge Minister, Tumakuru, while addressing the media said: “Tumakuru hosting an international tennis tournament after more than 20 years is a proud moment for the district. The administration has worked diligently to upgrade facilities, and this event will not only inspire local talent but also position Tumakuru as a destination for global sporting events.”

“We have left no stone unturned to ensure a comfortable stay and a truly memorable experience for all the players. I wish them the very best and hope they return with fond memories of Tumakuru,” added Dr. Parameshwara, who is also the chairman of the organising committee.

Mr. Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT, BT and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka and also Senior Vice President, KSLTA said in a message: “Karnataka has consistently led from the front in creating ecosystems that combine infrastructure, talent and opportunity. Bringing an international tennis event to Tumakuru reflects our commitment to taking world-class sporting platforms beyond Bengaluru and into emerging districts. This is how we nurture the next generation of champions,”

While praising the efforts of the organising team, Mr. Kharge said: “I profusely thank Dr. G. Parameswar for taking lead in hosting this prestigious event and we are grateful to him for  reviving the stadium after 14 years and bringing Tumakuru back to the world Tennis stage.”

Ms. Subha Kalyan, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Tumakuru, and an integral part of the organising committee said: “It is a matter of great pride for Tumakuru to host an international event of this stature. The ITF W35 tournament not only puts our district on the global sporting map but also inspires our youth to pursue excellence in sports. We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote sports development and create opportunities for young talent to shine on international platforms.”

Sunil Yajaman, Jt. Secretary of All India Tennis Association (AITA) who is also the Jt. Secretary, KSLTA, commented: “This tournament is part of KSLTA’s long-term vision to expand the footprint of tennis across Karnataka. By taking international events to cities like Tumakuru, we are creating opportunities for players, engaging new audiences, and strengthening the state’s position as a leader in Indian tennis.”

Yajaman lauded the efforts of small towns of Karnataka. “On behalf of the All India Tennis Association, I would like to sincerely thank the Tumakuru district administration for their outstanding support in hosting this event. Karnataka has set a wonderful example for other states by taking tennis to tier 2 and tier 3 towns, bringing the sport closer to the people. Initiatives like these are vital for the growth of tennis in the country, and we are delighted to see such strong efforts on the ground,” he said.

More Than Just a Tournament

The ITF Women’s W35 Tumakuru tournament is more than a week of competition — it represents a strategic shift in how sport is developed and delivered across the state.

A strong field featuring players from six countries will compete in the 32-player main draw, which begins on Tuesday. While 24 players—including four wildcards—have secured direct entry, another 32 players will battle it out for the remaining eight spots, with the qualifying rounds getting underway here on Sunday.

The tournament promises high-quality action while also giving Indian fans a chance to

witness the next wave of global talent up close.