The USD 30,000 event is a key part of the global ITF Women\u2019s circuit, providing players with vital ranking points and a stepping stone to the WTA Tour. It draws a competitive field of emerging international players and top Indian professionals competing in a 32-player singles main draw and qualifying rounds. After successful international tournaments in Bengaluru and Kalaburagi, the event enhances Karnataka\u2019s profile on the global tennis scene and highlights efforts to expand the sport beyond traditional centres.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Minister for Home, Govt. of Karnataka and District In-charge Minister, G. Parameshwara commented, \u201cIt is a proud moment for Tumakuru to host an international event of this scale after more than two decades. As a district with a strong sporting culture, this tournament reflects the progress in infrastructure and our continued commitment to promoting global sporting events while creating opportunities for youth across the region. I\u2019m sure our District Administration, headed by DC Will, will host this in a befitting manner. I thank KSLTA for this opportunity in Tumakuru.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The tournament signifies a historic milestone for Tumakuru, which last hosted an international tennis event in 2003\u2014the ATP Challenger (Tumkur Open). The competition featured players like Rohan Bopanna and Prakash Amritraj, with Germany\u2019s Philipp Kohlschreiber winning the title. Marcos Baghdatis, who reached the semi-finals and later achieved a career-high World No. 8, finishing as the runner-up at the 2006 Australian Open, also participated. This remains the only International Tennis event ever held in the city.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking on the development, Priyank M. Kharge, Minister for IT\/BT and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka, and Sr. Vice President, Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) said, \u201cHosting an international women\u2019s tennis tournament in Tumakuru reflects our vision of expanding world-class sporting opportunities beyond major centres. It is encouraging to see districts like Tumakuru emerge as new sporting hubs, supported by strong infrastructure and grassroots development. This initiative will not only strengthen Karnataka\u2019s presence on the global tennis map but also inspire young talent across the state to pursue the sport at a competitive level. I thank Hon\u2019ble Dr. Parameshwara for once again establishing Tumakuru on the Global Tennis map.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the extended gap, Tumakuru continues to uphold a robust tennis infrastructure at the university and district levels. Hosting an international event again signifies both a revival and progress for the city within India\u2019s tennis scene.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Speaking on the development, Priyank M. Kharge, Minister for IT\/BT and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka, and Sr. Vice President, Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) said, \u201cHosting an international women\u2019s tennis tournament in Tumakuru reflects our vision of expanding world-class sporting opportunities beyond major centres. It is encouraging to see districts like Tumakuru emerge as new sporting hubs, supported by strong infrastructure and grassroots development. This initiative will not only strengthen Karnataka\u2019s presence on the global tennis map but also inspire young talent across the state to pursue the sport at a competitive level. I thank Hon\u2019ble Dr. Parameshwara for once again establishing Tumakuru on the Global Tennis map.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With top players from India and abroad expected to compete, the ITF W35 Tumakuru offers a week of high-level tennis, marking a new chapter in the city\u2019s sporting history and reinforcing Karnataka\u2019s reputation as an important centre for the sport in India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n