Music, colors and smiles: the FIP World Padel Championships officially open in Doha. Carraro to the players: “Be proud to play for your country”

“You’re used to fighting on the court for yourselves; from tomorrow, you’ll be doing it for your country. You should be proud and do it with a smile because this is an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your lives”. Addressing the players from 20 countries and 32 teams participating in the FIP World Padel Championships during the opening ceremony and gala dinner at Al Jewan Hall Dana Club, Luigi Carraro, President of the International Padel Federation, officially kicked off the race for the world title. Starting on Monday, the players will be the main stars of a thrilling competition, one that will see the world’s best battling under their national flags. Carraro dedicated the most heartfelt part of his opening speech to them, following the words of the tournament director and Secretary General of the Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF), Tariq Darwish Zainal, and after recalling that each time the global padel community returns to Qatar, something decisive and significant happens for the sport’s future.

Before and after, in the glittering Al Jewan Hall, there was an explosion of light and color, first accompanied by live violin music and then by a saxophone. The music heightened the atmosphere, setting the stage for teams as they took their seats at tables marked by small flags representing each country, underscoring the FIP President’s words. After the introduction, reigning world champions Argentina were the first to be called onstage as defending titleholders. There they were, the heroes of the world circuit — Tapia, Chingotto, and all the others — alongside their longstanding rivals, Spain’s “Fab Four”: Galán, Lebrón, Coello, and Paquito Navarro.

Then, one by one, all twenty participating countries, led by their federation presidents, walked across the elegant white stage to the rhythm of the music. With two large screens on either side, showcasing a mix of colors and images, the atmosphere captured the emotions of being in Doha, ready for an unforgettable experience. The smiles Carraro referred to were a constant throughout a night of celebration and joy, framed by each country’s colors—from the USA team’s star-spangled scarves to the Cristiano Ronaldo-style jump of celebration by the Portuguese players. These smiles, no matter who wins or how things turn out, represent the most beautiful part of a memorable evening.