India’s Historic Tennis Event
India is gearing up to host the Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs for the very first time at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru, scheduled from November 14 to 16. The captain of the Indian team, Vishal Uppal, expressed his enthusiasm in a recent press release.
This marks a significant milestone as it is the first international women’s tennis event of this magnitude to be held in India. There is a sense of pride among Indian athletes as the nation increasingly hosts prestigious international competitions, including the World Para Athletics Championships and the Women’s Cricket World Cup, alongside the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs. Such events not only showcase world-class sports on Indian soil but also provide local athletes with the invaluable chance to compete against top-tier international opponents in familiar settings.
Government Support for the Event
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has allocated financial support of ₹80 lakh to the All India Tennis Association (AITA) under the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) scheme to facilitate the organization of the Billie Jean King Cup Play-Offs in Bengaluru.
Uppal emphasized the importance of this support from the SAI and the Government of India, stating, “It was crucial to receive the necessary backing for our athletes. The entire team is very grateful for it,” as mentioned in the press release.
Preparation and Training for Players
As part of its Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) initiative, SAI has also approved a Senior National Coaching Camp for 12 members, including 10 players, which took place from November 4 to 11 at the same venue in Bengaluru.
The camp included players such as Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Ankita Raina, Riya Bhatia, Prarthana Thombare, and reserve Vaidehee Chaudhari, all under the guidance of Uppal and Rad coachhika Kanitkar, with physiotherapists Dipali Pandey and Namita Rao providing additional support.
Sahaja and Shrivalli are part of the TAGG scheme, designed to offer comprehensive assistance to Asian Games medal hopefuls and support athletes in disciplines where India has faced challenges in securing Olympic medals, including surfing, gymnastics, cycling, and tennis.
Path to the 2026 Qualifiers
The seven group winners from the playoffs in Bengaluru will earn a spot in the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers, keeping their hopes alive for a place in the prestigious Finals.
