Kolkata: Former Indian Tennis player, Naresh Kumar passed away on Wednesday in West Bengal's Kolkata. He was 93.
According to sources, Naresh was unwell for a long time and was suffering from age-related issues since last week. He is survived by his artist wife Sunita Kumar, son Arjun, and two daughters -- Gita and Preah. Born on December 22, 1928, in Lahore, Pakistan, Naresh represented India in the Davis Cup for eight years from 1952 and later became captain.
Three years later his biggest career high came when he made the fourth round of Wimbledon in 1955 before losing to the eventual champion and American No. 1 Tony Trabert. As an amateur, Naresh Kumar has played a record number of 101 Wimbledon matches.
He played his first tournament at the Indian International Championships in 1949 where he reached the semi-finals. He won two singles titles at the Irish Championship in 1952 and 1953. He also won the men's singles title at the Welsh Championship in 1952. He played his final tournament also the Asian Championships in 1969.
An emotional Kumar ambling towards Leander Paes to hug him after his iconic fifth rubber win against France in the Davis Cup quarter-final in Frejus (France) while Atul Premanarayan calling the moment for Doordarshan, would remain a fond memory for all tennis lovers.
A true gentleman to the core and always neatly dressed, Naresh Kumar was also a well-known sports commentator-cum-columnist, successful businessman, tropical aquarium fish breeder, art collector, and horse racing aficionado.
Reacting to the demise of Kumar, fellow Davis Cup captain and longtime friend Jaidip Mukerjea remembered the former to be a 'nice person' and a 'good player'. The two, having known each other for almost 70 years since training together on the courts of Calcutta South Club, participated together further in various tournaments.
"We haven't met for more than a year due to the pandemic. He was not keeping well. I think he passed away at his home only. I called up his number, but no reply," Mukerjea informed.
"In my first Davis Cup match at Bangkok 1960, he was my captain. So I made my Davis Cup debut under him" Mukerjea noted. He was a nice person, a good player and a very fit person. He always helped us in the game" the veteran said. "But unfortunately he stopped playing at a very young age after he had a heart attack. This heart attack actually cut short his career as a player," said the octogenarian.
