The Kuwait Premier Paddle Major 2026 concluded on Saturday after a week of global competitions, and this event, with the presence of international players and numerous spectators, reinforced Kuwait's growing position in the world of paddle. Bader Al-Kharafi, Chairman of BNK Holding, stated on the sidelines of the event that this tournament has introduced the country as an important destination in the world of paddle and described its progress over the past four years as a source of national pride.
Development and Global Fame of Paddle in Kuwait
Al-Kharafi stated that Kuwait has successfully transitioned from hosting amateur tournaments to attracting professional players and holding one of the highest-ranking events, namely the Premier Paddle Major. He explained: "We started with P1, then moved to the World Doubles Championships, and today we are hosting a major which is the highest level of paddle – the Grand Slam of Paddle."
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This official added that the development of this tournament reflects the rapid growth of this sport in Kuwait and has helped introduce the country on the international sports map. He noted the positive feedback from players about this event, saying: "This is something we take pride in. We have succeeded in this area." Al-Kharafi also emphasized the need to continue this success and provide an even better experience in the next edition.
Successful Hosting of the Championships and Future Outlook
On the final day of the tournament, Al-Kharafi mentioned the strong presence of spectators, stating that the stadium was full during the matches. He also referred to the BNK-supported team that unfortunately lost in their match, adding that this team faced a serious challenge in the previous match.
Despite regional tensions, Al-Kharafi emphasized the importance of hosting positive events, stating: "People are looking for good events and are excited about them." Dr. Ziad Al-Alyan, editor of Kuwait Times, also referred to the successful organization of this event and the cooperation between public and private sectors, considering it an example of effective collaboration.
In the women's final, Gemma Triay and Delfi Brea emerged as champions, achieving victory in an exciting match. This win held special significance for them and represented their progress in the realm of play and collaboration.
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