Kuwait, as the host of the Premier Padel Kuwait Major, welcomed some of the best players in the world for a week and introduced this sport to a larger audience. Padel, played in over 150 countries, with around 35 million amateur players globally, is also rapidly expanding in Kuwait, attracting more and more young people to the sport.
History of Padel
While the origins of padel are still under discussion, some historians trace it back to the 1920s as a pastime on British cruise ships. The International Padel Federation claims that the sport was invented in a home belonging to Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico. Corcuera, due to space limitations in his yard, built a small padel court with 3-meter walls, which became the first padel court in history.
Read more: The Development of Padel in Kuwait with International Reception
BNK Junior’s Padel Tour and Talent Development
The BNK group, which supports this event, has created an opportunity to gather padel clubs in Kuwait with the launch of the BNK Junior’s Padel Tour. Mohammed Al-Gharabali, Head of Public Relations at BNK Holding, stated: "Our goal is to create local talents, and we teach them not only to learn the game but also to pursue a healthy lifestyle. This event is held for children aged 6 to 7 years and in the U12, U14, and U16 age categories."
This initiative is also aimed at encouraging children to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle. Al-Gharabali added that the rising obesity rate in Kuwait is one of the main reasons for introducing the sport to the youth. According to a study conducted in 2025 on 19,148 Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti children, nearly half of the children, or 48.57 percent, were overweight or obese.
In padel, success is not solely dependent on physical strength but emphasizes strategy, positioning on the court, and tactical cooperation among teammates. This sport is generally considered easier for beginners than tennis, and early experiences can help build a strong foundation for players. Alexandru Campo, a padel coach, emphasizes the importance of learning technique and control rather than focusing on powerful shots.
Ultimately, the long-term goal is for more Kuwaitis to compete at a high level and shift the balance from predominantly foreign players to local talents in international tournaments like the Premier Padel.
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