But Kabir is not a player to rest on his laurels. Instead, he aims at winning the first ITF men’s title for Odisha and become the highest-ranked ATP player of the State in the near future.

He could have set his target on bigger goals such as playing Olympics, Davis Cup and Grand Slam tournaments. But Kabir is realistic and knows it very well that tennis in India lacks a proper support system, unlike cricket, football, hockey and athletics. And without support it is impossible to realize these goals.

Over the years Odisha has produced a number of talented tennis players, including Satirtha Patnaik, Chinmay Pradhan and Ansu Bhuyan. But they could not achieve the success they deserved due to lack of support.

Kabir also knows that even coming thus far would not have been possible without the support of his family. Parents, Chetan and Shelly Hans made a lot of sacrifices to add wings to the Kabir tennis journey, which started when was nine years old.

But moving forward from here has become a daunting task. He needs a support team of personal coach, trainer and physio. He also needs opportunities to play good number of ITF tournaments abroad, especially in Europe. But meeting the expenses for these purposes is no longer possible on the part of his family.

Of course, the Government of Odisha, the State Tennis Association (OTA) and a few private enterprises have provided some funds. But their support has not been adequate. However, amidst the gloomy scenario, a ray of hope has emerged with the systematic implementation of Honourable Chief Minister Shri  Naveen Patnaik’s vision for the development of sports in the State. Under the vision of “Sports for Youth and Youth for Future” Odisha has already become a major sporting hub in the country.

The iconic Kalinga Stadium now reckoned as the sporting `Shrikhetra’ of the State, successfully hosting World and Continental events in various disciplines. The state-of-the-art tennis complex in Kalinga Stadium is ready to add yet another jewel to the sporting crown of the State.

Time is not too far when the Centre Court of this tennis complex would be the proud host of a Davis Cup Tie or major ITF events. Would not it be the icing on the cake with Kabir playing an ITF final on this amazing Centre Court ?

Odisha has produced Olympic, World and Asiad medallists in many sports disciplines, but not an ITF men’s title winner yet. It’s time, the State takes it up as a major challenge and help Kabir come out as the champion !

Meanwhile, Director of Trupti Enterprises, Suvendu Mohanty, felicitated Kabir at a function, held in Bhubaneswar today. Eminent personalities from different fields joined the programme and encouraged Kabir.

Ajay Nishank and Lalit Dash, the two former coaches of Kabir, current coach Jaimin Mehta and eminent supporters of Kabir, including Kaushik Mohapatra, Anil Dhir, Satyabrata Sanu Ratho were present to appreciate and encourage Kabir.

Video of the achievements of Kabir, including the Fenesta National title victory, was shown at the function, which was coordinated by Sameer Hans. Kabir thanked everyone who have supported him to come thus far and sought the blessings of the people of Odisha for his mission to achieve greater glory for the State and the country.
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TOP: Trupti Enterprises Director, Suvendu Mohanty, felicitates Odisha tennis ace Karir Hans in Bubaneswar on 22 March 2023.
RIGHT: Kabir Hans interacts with mediapersons during the felicitation programme in Bubaneswar on 22 March 2023.