Doha: Qatar is eyeing successful hosting of the Padel World Championship, which will come to Asia and the region for the first time in history next month.
Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) Secretary-General Tareq Zainal said preparations are on track for the event, which will see a total of 320 players from 16 nations in action at Doha’s Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex from November 15 to 20, 2021.
The forthcoming event will be a new feat for QTSBF, which has been organising top tennis and squash tournaments over the years. Ahead of the Padel World Championship, the federation will host Qatar Classic - a Platinum tournament on Professional Squash Association calendar from October 17 to 23.
Tareq Zainal
“We are preparing for both squash and padel events simultaneously. The preparations are on track and we are hopeful of hosting both the major events successfully,” Zainal told reporters on the sidelines of a sponsorship signing ceremony for Qatar Classic.
Speaking about the Padel World Championship, the Secretary-General hoped the event will promote the sport in the entire region.
“It will be a big event with many players from different nations participating. It will be the first time that this event will come to Asia as well as the region and we are very proud to host this tournament,” he said.
“Our first focus is Qatar Classic in which 48 squash stars are set to compete, and we are looking forward to thrilling matches during the tournament,” Zainal added.
The Padel World Championship, which was initiated in 1992, is a biennial tournament for both male and female players. The tournament is generally hosted in Europe and Americas. Argentina are the most successful nation in event’s history with their men’s teams securing 13 medals (10 gold and 3 silver) and women’s team winning 12 (8 gold and 4 silver) medals.
Padel is described as a sport which is a mix between tennis and squash. The court is one third of the size of a tennis court. Qatar officially joined the International Padel Federation (FIP), during its General Assembly, earlier this year in Rome.
