Make-A-Wish Brings Illinois Tennis Player to Florida for Transformational Training Experience
An Illinois college student living with a rare inflammatory disorder received a life-changing opportunity through Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, helping him take significant steps toward his dream of advancing his tennis career and earning a scholarship at a larger university in Florida.
Sury Bahadur has battled a disorder that causes inflammation in small blood vessels, affecting his nose and sinuses, lungs, and kidneys. Despite the ongoing medical challenges, Bahadur has remained determined to pursue tennis at a higher competitive level.
As part of his wish, Bahadur and his family spent a week on Florida’s Suncoast, where he trained with professional coaches at IMG Academy, one of the nation’s premier athletic training institutions. The experience included intensive on-court instruction, leadership development workshops, weight-training sessions, and mental-strength conditioning, designed to support both athletic and personal growth.
One of the most memorable moments of the week came when Bahadur had the opportunity to play tennis with former French Open champion Jimmy Arias, who shared his expertise and encouragement. Arias also invited Bahadur to attend the U.S. Open in New York next year as his guest, offering further inspiration as Bahadur continues to pursue his goals.
The experience reflects Make-A-Wish’s mission to bring hope, confidence, and joy to young people facing critical illnesses, while empowering them to envision a future filled with opportunity. For Bahadur, the week in Florida marked not just a fulfilled wish, but a renewed belief in what is possible both on and off the court.
