President of the Republic Santiago Peña at the opening ceremony in Asunción: “A window on the world”

He didn’t want to miss the appointment. And his presence testifies not only to the absolute level of the world youth tournament, but also to the importance in terms of prestige, the opportunity for the host country, and the international visibility achieved by padel in recent years. The President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, “immersed” himself among the young protagonists of the World Padel Championships for the photos that have been viral on websites and social networks in recent hours – published by the President of Paraguay himself on his Instagram account –, immediately after attending the opening ceremony of the 14th edition of the FIP Juniors World Padel Championships scheduled from today until Saturday 18 in Asuncion. An event of extraordinary global meanings, which the head of state of the host nation didn’t want to miss. “These events are a window of opportunity to show the world all the talent of Paraguayan athletes and also place our country in a prominent position for all types of sporting events – said –. All delegations are welcome in Paraguay!”

An opening ceremony, which took place in Asuncion, was also attended by Cesar Ramirez, Paraguay’s Minister of Sport: “It’s an honour and a great moment of happiness for us to celebrate this event, which Paraguay is hosting for the first time. But above all we celebrate these athletes who have prepared for so long to play this World Championships. I’m sure that all the athletes in this scenario will have a unique experience, both technically and humanly. I thank the International Padel Federation for choosing us and President Santiago Peña, without whom all this would not have been possible”.

The President of the International Padel Federation, Luigi Carraro, is also excited: “For all of us it is a great honour to have the President of the Republic for the opening ceremony of a Youth World Championships, an event that marks the present and writes the future. I also thank Sport Minister Cesar Ramirez, just as I can’t fail to mention the President of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee Camilo Perez. There were other bids and other projects for this event, but we chose Paraguay and Paraguayan federation because we know that the organisation and audience are unique in the world. Thanks also to Diego Miller and the American Padel Federation for the work they are doing, and of course I want to thank the 400 players from the 17 countries present at this World Cup. This for you – said Carraro addressing the athletes –, will be an unforgettable experience, a celebration and a competition that will help you grow. Participating in a World Championships is something that will stay with you for the rest of your lives. Fight in every point, try to win every game, but do it with a smile. Because, in each case, you are winners”.