In a significant initiative to enhance tennis at the grassroots and district levels, the Government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA), has announced 20 International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments across the state. This follows the successful hosting of major international events, including the ATP Tour 250 and WTA 125, over the past five years.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the MSLTA headquarters in Colaba, Mumbai, on March 10, 2026. Key attendees included MSLTA President Prashant Sutar, Hon. Secretary Sunder Iyer, and IAS officials Ashish Sharma and Shravan Hardikar, who are leading the tournament initiative.

The ITF tournaments will allow players to compete on home soil, easing financial pressures. With prize money of USD 15,000 and USD 25,000, the tournaments will take place in various districts, starting with Mumbai from March 15 to 22, followed by Nagpur from March 22 to 29, and Sambhajinagar from March 29 to April 5.

One notable beneficiary is Pune-based Manas Dhamne, the second-youngest player to win three titles, including two at M15 Monastir (2025) and one at M15 Zahra (2026), all before the age of 18. Dhamne achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of 481 in February 2026. MSLTA provided him with a wild card for the Maha Open ATP Challenger 75 Men's Tennis Championship, where he reached the quarter-finals, earning financial rewards and climbing 22 ranks.

Prashant Sutar expressed enthusiasm, saying, “This initiative marks a significant step in my tenure as MSLTA President. Our goal is to ensure tennis reaches rural and district-level players across Maharashtra, providing them with the exposure and infrastructure they need to succeed.”

To support this initiative, the Government of Maharashtra has issued a special Government Resolution (GR) through the Urban Development Department. Tournaments will be hosted in cities with existing tennis infrastructure or where new facilities are planned. Funding will come from a five percent allocation in municipal corporation budgets, supplemented by partnerships with local industries.

District-level committees will be established, led by Municipal Commissioners, District Collectors, and Superintendents of Police, to ensure effective execution.

Ashish Sharma, Chairman of the ITF Tournament initiative, emphasised the importance of building a robust tennis ecosystem, stating, “We are partnering with MSLTA to empower districts to host world-class events, fostering talent and infrastructure that positions Maharashtra as a tennis powerhouse.”

Shravan Hardikar, Managing Director of MMRDA and Secretary for the initiative, added, “In addition to the ITF tournaments, All India-level junior tournaments will be organised in the week leading up to each event, allowing young players to gain experience from their senior counterparts. Our aim is to encourage grassroots participation, paving the way for future champions from Maharashtra.”

This five-year roadmap reflects the state government’s commitment to elevating Maharashtra's presence in the global tennis arena and nurturing future champions.