Qatar gears up to host Padel World Championship

QTSBF secretary-general Tariq Zainal.

Qatar is set to host the Padel World Championship next month, the first time the event will be held in Asia and the GCC region. The tournament organised by Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF), has attracted 320 players from 16 nations and will be held at Doha’s Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex from November 15-20. QTSBF secretary-general Tariq Zainal said preparations are on track for the event. Before the Padel Worlds, QTSBF will host Qatar Classic squash from October 17-23.   “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 said.       Speaking about the Padel World Championship, the QTSBF 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 will take part. 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 championship,” 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.   Meanwhile, 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. Padel World Championship will be held at Khalifa Tennis and Squash Complex from November 15-20.