The Swanmore tennis community is mourning the loss of Bash Kara, a beloved coach, mentor, and friend whose impact on the sport and those he coached will be felt for generations. Known for his boundless enthusiasm, unwavering patience, and genuine care for players of all ages, Bash dedicated his life to the development of tennis, inspiring young athletes and fostering a love for the game that transcended competition.
A legacy of passion, dedication, and kindness
At the age of 84, Bash passed away peacefully at home on Saturday 25th January. As a testament to his commitment and love of the sport, Bash continued to assist in junior coaching sessions and running club mix-ins right until the end. “I’ll keep going for as long as I can,” he said in 2021. “As long as my legs can carry me, and my old wrists can hold a racket then I’ll keep going.” He was true to his word doing just that the day before he died.
Bash (short for Bashir) was born in Dar es Salaam in April 1940. He came to Britain on his own about 18 years later, achieved a bachelor’s degree at Portsmouth and gained his master’s degree while working at IBM. His switch to coaching began in the 1980’s becoming a cornerstone of grass roots tennis in Hampshire. He brought tennis through the City Tennis Club Initiative to council estates in Southampton, a programme he took to Downing Street where he ran sessions with John McEnroe and Tony Blair in 2003.
He mentored countless players, built thriving communities, and promoted the sport’s growth. His legacy is defined not only by the players he developed but also by the friendships he fostered and the love for tennis he instilled in so many.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to tennis, Bash was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the sport in 2021, an honour he humbly accepted for his decades of hard work, generosity, and his exceptional ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) in 2020 for his work with Andover and Swanmore Tennis Clubs having already claimed the Hampshire County Award and the LTA Regional Award for the South West. These accolades serve as a testament to Bash’s commitment, reflecting the profound influence he had on those around him.
A champion for tennis and community
Bash’s dedication to nurturing young talent was evident in his unwavering support for junior players. He believed that investing in the next generation was the key to a thriving club, and his efforts helped build a strong foundation for Swanmore Tennis Club and other clubs he worked with. His influence extended beyond junior coaching; Bash understood the profound social benefits of tennis and encouraged people of all ages to embrace the sport for its fitness, camaraderie, and joy. Asked about his love of tennis coaching Bash said ”It’s very satisfying, I want to give them something to do, to give them pleasure and boost mental wellbeing.”
A mentor and a friend
Bash’s patience and commitment to the sport were legendary. He worked alongside fellow coaches and club members to promote tennis at all levels, and his calm, nurturing style helped players of all abilities feel confident and supported. “What stood out most about Bash was his incredible patience on court and his willingness to always help,” shared Mike Johnson, Swanmore Lawn Tennis Head Coach (2012–2024). “We worked together for years, running school programs, afterschool clubs, curriculum sports leader courses, tennis camps, and more. Nothing was ever a problem with Bash around. He was a cornerstone of Swanmore Tennis Club and became a long-term friend to me.”
A lasting impact on young players
Bash’s influence on young athletes was profound. His Sunday morning training sessions were a treasured part of many players' development, and his commitment to the sport never wavered - even during the pandemic, when he found creative ways to keep sessions going. “Bash was an inspirational coach for all of us as junior players at Swanmore,” recalled George Feeney, 20. “His commitment to imparting his wisdom and passion for the game was greatly appreciated by me and everyone who was lucky enough to be coached by him. I will never forget his effort to start the Sunday sessions again as soon as lockdown was lifted - even playing a version of tennis that involved not touching the balls! Above all, Bash was the kindest and most caring of people.” Many players credit Bash for shaping not only their skills but also their love for the game. “My favourite memories of Bash were when he would turn up to watch matches I was playing in,” said Benji Hutchinson, 21. “He always had words of encouragement and useful tips that helped me turn the tide of matches. His love of the game helped shape the player I am today.” Even the youngest players felt Bash’s warmth and passion. Rufus Brown, 10, simply said: “I really liked Bash, he made tennis fun and I will miss him.”
A true inspiration in the sport
For some, Bash’s impact extended beyond the club, opening doors to incredible opportunities. “I was so sad to hear of Bash’s passing,” shared a former student Ethan Carter, 17. “Without Bash’s support, I would not have had the opportunity to be introduced to the world of Deaf tennis and compete with the GB Deaf team. His patience and dedication to coaching enriched my love for the sport - something I will always remember.” His work with inclusive tennis programs, including coaching a deaf player who now trains as part of the LTA’s National Deaf Squad, was a testament to his commitment to ensuring that tennis was accessible to all.
A legacy that lives on
Bash Kara was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light for so many. His love for tennis, his ability to inspire, and his unwavering kindness made him an irreplaceable part of the Swanmore Tennis Club family. Samantha Hutchinson, Swanmore Lawn Tennis Club Committee Chair commented, “He had that rare ability to relate to everyone and encourage them to be the best they could be”. While his presence on the courts will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on in the countless players he coached, the friendships he nurtured, and the love for the game he instilled in so many.
As Matt Dillon, 22, in his tribute to Bash, beautifully put it, "Bash had a huge influence on my tennis and my life. He first coached me at primary school and continued to inspire me at the tennis club. His Sunday morning sessions helped me develop both my skills and my character, teaching us more than just tennis - he instilled passion, commitment, and respect. As I got older, I was lucky to help him in sessions, and I always saw him supporting players at matches. He taught us so much more than just tennis; he consistently showed passion, commitment, and most importantly, respect for one another. Bash’s presence at the club will be greatly missed, but I will forever cherish everything he taught me, both on and off the court."
Matt Morris, 21 another of Bash’s former junior players, shared, "Bash introduced me to yellow ball and I had many years of coaching sessions with him in my time as a junior. Whenever I was down at the club, he wouldn’t hesitate to see how I was and was always very welcoming and interested to see what I was getting up to. He was always someone I looked up to as a legend of the club and the sport and he will be greatly missed."
For those whose lives Bash touched, his impact will never be forgotten. As a club, “We will all greatly miss his sunny disposition, his smile, his pearls of wisdom, and the time he so readily gave to the players at Swanmore., said Samantha Hutchinson Club Chair. Our thoughts remain with Bash’s family, his widow Sandy, and his children Shaun and Salima.
In honour of his memory, his family has requested that any donations be sent to Naomi House & Jacksplace hospice for children and young adults.