Tournament Completion Draws International Attention
The Kuwait Premier Padel Major 2026 concluded on Saturday following a week of competition, drawing top international players and large crowds while reinforcing Kuwait’s growing position on the global padel circuit. The event marked the culmination of a tournament that has evolved significantly since its inception.
BNK Holding Chairman Bader Al-Kharafi stated that the tournament has established Kuwait as a major destination on the international padel circuit. He described the progression of the event over the past four years as a source of national pride for the country.
Al-Kharafi noted that Kuwait successfully moved from hosting amateur competitions to staging one of the sport’s highest-ranked events. He characterized the Premier Padel Major as "the Grand Slam of padel," highlighting the shift from earlier iterations such as P1 tournaments and the World Cup pairs to the current professional level.
According to Al-Kharafi, players voted the Kuwait tournament among the best in the world. He described this recognition as evidence that organizers achieved their objective of hosting a top-tier international sporting occasion.
Attendance Growth Amid Regional Tensions
Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ziad Al-Alyan praised the organization of the event as an example of successful cooperation between the public and private sectors. He highlighted the growing international participation in the tournament, noting that attendance increased compared with last year’s edition.
Al-Alyan reported that more international visitors came to Kuwait for the event despite ongoing regional tensions. He welcomed the increasing participation of Kuwaiti players, stating that organizers aim to provide young local athletes with a platform to develop their skills.
Al-Kharafi addressed the broader context of the tournament's timing and location. He stated that people are looking for positive events to offer a distraction from regional conflicts and geopolitical developments. "People want something positive," Al-Kharafi said, adding that organizers need to host more international sporting occasions in Kuwait so people can focus on positive things rather than think about war and geopolitics.
Competition Results and Recognition
The conclusion of the major followed a demanding contest for some participants. Al-Kharafi reported that BNK-sponsored players lost their match after a demanding contest lasting almost four hours the previous day.
Al-Alyan praised Al-Kharafi for his efforts to promote Kuwait internationally and attract attention to the country’s young talents. The tournament featured officials from various organizations, including International Padel Federation (FIP) President Luigi Carraro, who participated in post-event activities with the winners.
The event has drawn comparisons to previous iterations of padel competitions in the region, but organizers emphasize the current scale and professional status of the 2026 Major. The successful conclusion of the week-long competition underscores Kuwait's ambition to solidify its role in global sports hosting.