Kuwaiti youth and teenagers have an exceptional opportunity to observe and learn from the biggest padel stars globally at the Premier Padel Kuwait Major event, which takes place from October 26 to 31. This competition, considered the largest sporting event in Kuwait, marks the third edition organized by BNK Holding under the auspices of the International Padel Federation.
Close Experience with Professionals
Zain Al-Abdallah, a 14-year-old girl who has been working as a ball collector at this event for four years, has become familiar with the professional world of padel and has had the chance to interact with international players. She believes that success in this sport requires both mental and physical training. Zain stated, "You need mental training to maintain your composure and not get nervous with your partner in tough situations."
Before each match, the organizers assign ball collectors to one of five positions on the court. Zain was the only girl on Wednesday who was responsible for collecting balls alongside the match referee. She emphasized, "This position is the most important place to sit and reflects the vital role of a ball collector on the court."
Inspiring Future Generations
With four years of experience, Zain has also guided younger ball collectors and has helped Zaid Al-Farsi, a 12-year-old boy who is working as a ball collector for the first time at a major event. Zaid, who became familiar with padel through his uncle, has been looking for an opportunity to participate in this event and expressed, "My dream is to compete in major padel tournaments and become a champion."
Majid Al-Houti, a 13-year-old who has developed an interest in padel, is working as a ball collector at this event and hopes to compete internationally one day, just like his older brother, who played for the Kuwaiti national team for three years. He said, "Seeing fellow countrymen and Gulf athletes in the competitions is very inspiring, and you feel that they are not only representing their country but all of us."
Among the spectators, Ahmad Ali Al-Shakhas, a 20-year-old padel player who watches the matches daily, analyzes the players and their techniques. He expressed his happiness about attending this event, especially after following the growth of international padel competitions in Kuwait over the past three years, stating, "Their performance exceeds my expectations."
Ahmad added, "Watching the best in the world in Kuwait has made me pay more attention to my training and raise my level to compete with the top players in Kuwait." Zain also pointed to Kuwait's high potential for the growth of this sport, especially among girls, and expressed hope that more young girls would become interested in it.
She said, "Many young girls in Kuwait do not play sports, and that is not good for them. They need to move more." Zain sees her dream as representing Kuwait in the national padel team and hopes that with increased awareness of this sport, her country will reach higher levels on the international stage.
Read more: England kept their hopes alive with a decisive victory over France in the Rugby League World Cup · Kuwait: Warm weather forecast with a chance of light rain
