Qualifying rounds for the Kuwait Major Premier Padel tournament commenced on Friday at The Arena and Rafa Nadal Academy, initiating the competition for places in the main draw of the Major-level event scheduled from October 26 to 31. The tournament features some of the world’s top-ranked players in the sport.
Bader Al-Kharafi, chairman of BNK Holding Group, which organizes the tournament, highlighted the progress of Kuwaiti padel players, expressing optimism about their chances to advance. Speaking during the qualifying matches, Al-Kharafi noted the enthusiasm of local spectators, stating that the turnout exceeded expectations for qualifying rounds, which generally attract fewer fans. He attributed the increased interest to the participation of Kuwaiti competitors.
Al-Kharafi also emphasized the development of the national players over the past three to four years. He observed that Kuwaiti athletes are now better equipped to challenge international opponents, attributing this improvement to accumulated experience and ongoing competition. He expressed hope that several local players would secure spots in the main draw and perform well throughout the tournament.
This marks BNK’s third consecutive year hosting major padel events in Kuwait. Al-Kharafi pointed out that the Kuwait Major Premier Padel is followed by international tournaments such as the FIP World Cup in Doha and the P1 tournament in Dubai. He affirmed the organizers’ commitment to continually enhancing the event’s standards, praising the recognition Kuwait has received for its organizational quality. Preparations for this year’s tournament included extensive arrangements and upgraded facilities aimed at delivering a top-tier experience for players and spectators alike.
Tournament organizer Mudhaf Al-Mudhaf reported that the opening qualifying matches took place across multiple courts, including the center court, featuring both seeded players and wild-card entrants. Among the wild-card competitors are Manolo Muñoz, Joaquim Florensa Hernández, Fouad Behbehani, and Luis Sempere Ortega. Only two matches were held on Friday, with play continuing on Saturday from noon until 10 p.m. The main draw begins on Sunday and will include prominent players such as Alejandro Galán and Juan Lebrón.
Al-Mudhaf, marking his third year contributing to the event’s organization, expressed gratitude to Al-Kharafi and optimism about the tournament’s continued growth and ability to deliver high-level competition.
Beyond the professional matches, the tournament has attracted broad community interest, including families and young spectators. Mona Al-Fadhli, a mother of two children involved in padel, emphasized the sport’s role in encouraging physical activity and social interaction among youth. She highlighted how padel provides an alternative to screen time and fosters teamwork and face-to-face engagement.
Young fans like Ali also described the tournament as an opportunity to learn life skills such as sportsmanship, handling defeat, and building new friendships. The event’s inclusive atmosphere and the presence of organized padel leagues in Kuwait offer promising prospects for the sport’s continued growth at both grassroots and competitive levels.