Khachanov and Marozsan Bring Joy During Visit to Asyl Miras Autism Center in Almaty

It was a day filled with smiles, laughter, and heartfelt moments as top tennis stars  Karen Khachanov  and  Fabian Marozsan took time out from their busy tournament schedules to visit the  Asyl Miras Autism Center  in Almaty. The two players spent the morning engaging with children, joining in developmental activities, and handing out gifts — but as they later admitted, they were the ones who left truly inspired.

Inside the bright, welcoming rooms of the center, Khachanov and Marozsan interacted with children through play-based learning sessions designed to develop communication and social skills. In one particularly touching moment, a young boy, role-playing as a doctor, carefully «examined» Marozsan’s ears with a toy torch — drawing laughter and applause from everyone present.

The Asyl Miras Center, part of the  Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, is one of  13 such facilities operating across 12 regions of Kazakhstan. Now celebrating its  11th anniversary, the foundation’s autism program has provided free care, education, and resources to more than  17,000 children  since its inception. Its work is rooted in six evidence-based programs focused on developing speech, social interaction, and learning abilities — and most children have shown remarkable progress thanks to these efforts.

Khachanov, the defending champion at the Almaty Open, said the experience gave him a deep appreciation for the foundation’s work.
«It’s really great what Mr. Bulat Utemuratov and his foundation are doing — not only through their various projects but especially with this special care center for kids with autism,» Khachanov said. «In Kazakhstan, there are schools and education programs, but not really specialized ones for these children. That’s why this initiative is so important — it helps them adapt, socialize, and eventually attend regular schools. I think that’s really valuable.»

The world No. 10 added that as a father of two young boys, the visit felt especially meaningful. «I love kids in general, and if I can spend a little time with them and maybe inspire them in some small way, that’s something special for me,» he shared.

 «Children with autism have different needs and stages of development, and I think it’s important not to separate them, but to help them integrate and socialize with others. That’s great not just for them, but for society in general   not only here in Kazakhstan, but everywhere in the world.»
 
Marozsan, one of the ATP Tour’s rising stars, echoed those sentiments. For him, the visit was both uplifting and humbling.
«I’ve never been to this place before, so I really enjoyed exploring and spending some time with the kids,» said the Hungarian. «It means a lot to them, for sure   and for me as well. It’s a really good feeling to be able to help and share some moments with them.»

The event continued a proud tradition of tennis players supporting the Asyl Miras program. Over the years, the centers have welcomed some of the sport’s biggest names, including **Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Elena Rybakina, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev, Dominic Thiem, Alexander Bublik, Stan Wawrinka, Frances Tiafoe**, and others.

For both Khachanov and Marozsan, the day was a reminder of the positive power of sport — and of the human connections that transcend the court. As they departed, carrying hand-drawn gifts from the children, their smiles said it all.
«Sometimes,» Khachanov reflected, «you go somewhere thinking you’re the one giving something   and you end up receiving even more.»