The Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) is set to host a $100,000 ATP Challenger tournament from November 20 to 26.
Bengaluru last held a Challenger in 2015 — a $50,000 event — and before that way back in 2003. Only Delhi had hosted a $100,000 Challenger (2014 and 2015) and even that shrunk to a $50,000 event in 2016 before becoming extinct.
Confirming the development, KSLTA’s joint-secretary P.R. Ramaswamy, told The Hindu that the commitment is expected to be long-term, and the tournament will be fully funded by the Karnataka Government.
“This is an effort by the Karnataka Tourism Department and its minister Priyank Kharge as part of the Brand Bengaluru initiative to exploit tourism potential. We are very thankful,” he added.
It will no doubt be a fillip for the tournament-starved Indian players who have had to travel around the world in search of competition.
After India had witnessed a record five Challengers in 2014, it became four in 2015 and two in 2016.
