Watch: Salman Khan and Eknath Shinde inaugurate President Cup India 2026 in Thane

April 01, 2026: A national-level tennis cricket tournament, the President Cup India 2026, started in Thane on March 31 at the Dadoji Konddev Stadium. The event was inaugurated by Bollywood actor Salman Khan and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with thousands of fans cheering.

The tournament is organized by the Tennis Cricket Sport Federation of India (ITCSF) and was created by Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Member of Parliament and National President of ITCSF.

At the launch, Dr. Shinde said he plans to hold the President Cup three times a year in different cities across India. The aim is to give young and grassroots players a professional platform to showcase their talent.

Watch the video here: 

What is the President Cup India 2026?

The President Cup India 2026 is a national-level tennis cricket tournament organized by the Tennis Cricket Sport Federation of India (ITCSF). It was created by Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Member of Parliament and National President of ITCSF.

The tournament has 16 teams from across India, including the Maharashtra Warriors, Delhi Strikers, and Karnataka Royal Kings. The event officially started with the trophy being unveiled on stage.

Top players will get exciting prizes. The “Man of the Series” will win a Mahindra Thar, while the best batsmen and bowlers will receive motorbikes.

The President Cup gives a platform for young and emerging players to showcase their talent in tennis cricket. Entry is free for fans, and lucky draws will offer electric bikes and cash vouchers.

The tournament will run until April 5, 2026, aiming to connect street-level tennis cricket with professional sports.

Salman Khan Joins President Cup India 2026 Launch in Thane

Bollywood actor Salman Khan, wearing a brown shirt and black trousers, joined Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for the trophy ceremony. They posed together as the crowd cheered. The President Cup brings teams from all over India together and gives young players a chance to showcase their talent in tennis cricket.

In an Instagram post, Shinde said the tournament is important because “it provides a valuable platform for players and helps promote tennis cricket at a national level.” He welcomed all teams to Thane and appreciated the large turnout of sports fans at the stadium.

Shinde also mentioned that the tournament will be held three times a year in different states to expand tennis cricket across India. He praised the organisers, including Dr. Shrikant Shinde and his team, for successfully running the event.

Talking about the stadium, Shinde referred to the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe, saying it is a matter of pride for Thane. He added that Rs 55 crore has been spent so far on improving the venue.

On the film side, Salman Khan is preparing for the release of ‘Maatrubhumi’, produced by Salman Khan Films and directed by Apoorva Lakhia, where he plays an Indian Army colonel. The movie will release in cinemas on April 17, 2026.

Salman also confirmed his next film, an action drama directed by Vamshi Paidipally and produced by Dil Raju, which will feature Nayanthara in the lead role.