Kuwait... The 'Paddle' Capital of the World

KUNA – Kuwait is currently emerging as one of the most important regional capitals for padel in the Middle East, supported by world-class infrastructure, unprecedented public enthusiasm, and official recognition from the highest international sports bodies.

Kuwait has solidified its position on the international professional map, particularly after the International Padel Federation announced the upgrade of the “Premier Padel Kuwait” tournament, which concluded today, Saturday, at the Arena Mall 360 and the Rafa Nadal Academy. The event featured 240 male and female players from the world’s elite P1 category, elevating it to a Major status—the highest classification in the world. This recognition underscores Kuwait’s standing and capacity to host high-level international sporting competitions, offering fans the opportunity to closely follow the sport’s top stars.

In the men’s final, the top-seeded pair of Coelho and Tabia defeated Juan Tello and Maximiliano Arce with a score of 2-0. The top seeds demonstrated clear superiority in both result and performance from the outset, winning the first set 6-1. They continued their dominant display to secure the second set, also 6-1.

In the women’s final, the pair of Gema Triay and Delfi Bria defeated Ari Sanchez and Andrea Ostariz 2-1, with set scores of 3-6, 6-1, and 6-1. After losing the first set, Triay and Bria returned to control the court, winning the next two sets by a significant margin.

In a related development, Luigi Cararo, President of the International Padel Federation, praised Kuwait’s growing international status in padel, describing it as the “padel capital of the world” this week due to its hosting of two major international tournaments: the “Premier Padel Major,” sponsored by BNK Holding Group as part of the “Kuwait Youth and Sports Season” project, and the Asia and Africa World Cup qualifiers, held from October 26 to 30. The qualifiers featured 27 national teams—14 men’s and 13 women’s—competing to determine which teams will advance to the finals scheduled in Doha, Qatar, from November 2 to 7, 2026.

Speaking to KUNA, Cararo stated that “hosting both tournaments simultaneously represents an unprecedented achievement in the history of the sport,” commending Kuwait’s organizational standards, infrastructure, and sports facilities.

Cararo added that “Kuwait is the undisputed padel capital of the world this week,” noting that no country had previously hosted two tournaments of such scale at the same time.

He described the Kuwait “Premier Padel Major” as the best in the world from the players’ perspective, highlighting its immense popularity among fans and television audiences, as it ranks among the most-watched tournaments of the year.

Cararo expressed his appreciation for the organizing committee and its staff, praising their exceptional efforts in coordinating two major international tournaments simultaneously.

“Believe me, this is unique,” he emphasized, stressing that Kuwait possesses the necessary organizational capabilities to successfully host such major sporting events.

Cararo concluded by saying, “There are no limits to what Kuwait can achieve,” encouraging the country to maintain this momentum and further strengthen its position as a leading international destination for hosting the sport.