New Delhi to host Billie Jean King Cup 2026 Asia/Oceania Group I tournament in April

Indian women’s tennis team will look to make use of the home advantage yet again as New Delhi will host the Billie Jean King Cup (BJK Cup) Asia-Oceania Group I tournament at the DLTA Stadium from April 7 to 11.

Apart from the host, Indonesia, Korea Republic, New Zealand, Mongolia and Thailand will take part in the tournament which will have a single round-robin format. Top two teams at the end of the event will gain promotion and compete at the BJK Cup Play-offs later in the year.

Last year, the Asia-Oceania Group I ties were held in Pune. Under the guidance of captain Vishal Uppal, India secured impressive wins over Korea, Thailand, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong to finish second behind New Zealand and qualify for the Play-offs for only the second time in history.

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Shrivalli Bhamidipaty played a crucial role as she went unbeaten in her five singles rubbers. Vaidehee Chaudhari also contributed with two singles wins. Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare clinched the crucial doubles rubber in the last tie against Korea which helped the host qualify for the next stage.

However, it lost to both Slovenia and the Netherlands in the Play-offs held in November, missing the chance to book a spot in this year’s qualifiers.

As per the latest WTA Rankings, Sahaja Yamalapalli (World No. 425), Chaudhari (World No. 476) and Bhamidipaty (World No. 481) are India’s top three singles players. In doubles, the top three are Rutuja Bhosale (World No. 143), Thombare (World No. 146) and Riya Bhatia (World No. 191).

Italy is the two-time defending BJK Cup champion and will begin its campaign by hosting Japan in the qualifiers on April 10-11.

Published on Feb 05, 2026

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