Kenya tennis Under-16 player Aum Chandarana returns a service during a past tournament /HANDOUT 

 Aum Chandarana believes his upcoming training and competition stint in France could mark a turning point for Kenyan tennis, as he prepares to depart alongside Jeff Okuku for the Istres Tennis Club.

The tour forms part of a strategic partnership between Tennis Kenya and the French Tennis Federation, aimed at expanding international exposure for local players and strengthening development pathways.

For Chandarana, the opportunity represents more than just competition—it is a chance to experience elite training conditions and accelerate his growth.

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“It’s a great opportunity for young players to get exposure in a big tennis-playing nation like France. The facilities, especially the clay courts, the coaching, and the level of players you meet will help us improve our game, and we will be better players in the years to come,” he said.

He added: “This trip to Istres is a major step in development, giving us exposure to a high-level European training environment and competition on clay, which will help sharpen our tactical awareness, movement, and overall performance.”

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Ranked second nationally in the under-16 category, Chandarana has already established himself as one of Kenya’s brightest prospects. He played a key role in the country’s triumph at the East Africa zonal championships in January, where Kenya edged Uganda in the final.

He has also captained national teams at both under-14 and under-16 levels, guiding them to regional success. Speaking at the same event, Wanjiru Mbugua Karani, president of Tennis Kenya, said the duo are part of a long-term plan to prepare them for the 2032 Olympic Games.

“We are looking at a career plan for the two to play at the Olympics in the next six years. With this partnership and exposure to international tournaments, I am confident their game will improve, and they will stand a good chance of qualification. It is a long-term plan with achievable targets,” Karani said.