Qatar’s padel team poses for a group photo with QOC Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain and other officials yesterday.
Doha: Doha is set to stage the Qatar Ooredoo World Padel Championship 2021, which begins today at the Tennis and Squash Complex.
A total of 320 players representing 16 nations are taking part in the padel showpiece event, which is taking place for the first time in Asia. Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) is organising the competition, which will conclude on November 20.
The main rounds – starting today – will be followed by the quarter-finals on November 19 while the semi-finals are scheduled the following day.
The draw for the event was yesterday, pitting hosts Qatar in Group C along with Brazil, Belgium and Italy. Group A consists of Spain, Chile, United Kingdom and USA, while Group B comprises Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico and Denmark. France, Paraguay, Germany and Poland are placed in Group D.
QTSBF Secretary General Tariq Zainal said: “We are ready to stage a successful tournament. It will be a great event with many players from different nations participating.”
“The hosting of the world championship will be a big boost to the game not just in Qatar but promote the sport throughout the region and we are confident that it will be a great event,” he added.
The World Padel Championship, which was initiated in 1992, is a biennial tournament for both male and female players. The tournament is generally hosted in Europe and Americas.
Argentina are the most successful nation in event’s history with their men’s teams securing 13 medals (10 gold and 3 silver) and women’s team winning 12 (8 gold and 4 silver) medals.
Qatar team returns home to a warm welcome
Meanwhile, the delegation of Qatar’s padel national team returned home to a warm welcome yesterday after qualifying for Qatar Ooredoo World Padel Championship 2021.
Qatar defeated Japan 2-1 in the final match of ASIA - AFRICA Qualifications held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and booked their spot in the world championship.
The Qatari delegation was received at the Hamad International Airport by the QOC Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain and Board Members of the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation.
Al Buenain lauded the achievement made by team Qatar stars who qualified to the 2021 World Championship. He also appreciated the efforts of the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation which made this achievement possible.
Team Qatar began their campaign in the Asia - Africa Qualifications on winning note, beating Senegal and Iran 2-0 to lead their group and qualify to the semi-finals where they edged past UAE.
Qatar Squad:
Mohamed Saadoun Al Kuwari, Abdulaziz Saadoun Al Kuwari, Khalid Saadoun Al Kuwari, Mohamed Abdullah, Abdullah Al Heji, Jabor Al Motaw, Essa Shanan and Mousa Shanan.
World Padel Championship Groups
Group A: Spain, Chile, United Kingdom, USA
Group B: Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Denmark
Group C: Brazil, Belgium, Italy, Qatar
Group D: France, Paraguay, Germany, Poland
