TN Govt Allocates ₹10 Crore for Chennai Open Women’s Tennis Championship 2026
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has sanctioned ₹10 crore for hosting the Chennai Open International Women’s Tennis Championship 2026, a WTA 250-level tournament. The announcement was made on Tuesday after a delegation from the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) met the Chief Minister at the State Secretariat.
The delegation, led by TNTA president and former tennis star Vijay Amritraj, included CEO Hiten Joshi, tournament coordinator P. Prasanth, and honorary secretary N. Venkatesh. During the meeting, they discussed the preparations and requirements for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in November.
According to an official release, the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) will host the championship in association with the TNTA. The event is expected to attract some of the world’s leading women’s tennis players, further enhancing Tamil Nadu’s profile on the global sporting stage.
The meeting was also attended by Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna, Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Secretary Sandeep Nanduri, and SDAT Member Secretary J. Meganatha Reddy. The high-level participation reflects the state government’s commitment to successfully organising the event.
The Chennai Open has a storied tradition in Indian tennis. Previously known as a men’s ATP tournament, the 2026 edition will focus on women’s tennis, marking a significant step for gender parity in sports. The WTA 250 series is a key component of the Women’s Tennis Association circuit, providing players with valuable ranking points and prize money.
The allocation of ₹10 crore will be used for venue preparation, player amenities, security, and promotion. This investment is part of the state’s broader strategy to attract international sporting events and develop sports infrastructure. The tournament is expected to generate significant interest among tennis fans and provide a fillip to women’s sports in the country.
The partnership between SDAT and TNTA brings together governmental resources and tennis expertise. Both organizations have extensive experience in hosting national and international competitions, and they are expected to ensure a high-quality event. Further details, including the venue and player list, will be announced in due course.
The sanction of funds has been welcomed by the tennis community in Tamil Nadu. It is seen as a recognition of the state’s capability to host global sporting events and a positive signal for the growth of women’s tennis in India.
