Dubai: Nearly 100 players have been registered for the inaugural Nad Al Sheba (NAS) Padel Challenger that is scheduled to be held at the Nad Al Sheba (NAS) sports complex this weekend.
The three-day tournament will be held in two separate categories, one for beginners and the other for professionals, some of who have travelled from Europe and also neighbouring countries.
Action will get under way with the competition for the beginners at the four padel courts at NAS starting from 6.30pm on Thursday. The professionals category competition will commence at 9am on April 8.
A total of 64 players have been confirmed for the beginners category, while another 32 will be contesting in the professionals class.
“The standard for padel in the UAE was set after we successfully hosted the Dubai Padel Master last year (in October). Our patron Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, has been constantly challenging us to raise the bar. This tournament will cater to a section of players, both internationally and domestically, and help them raise their own level,” Khalifa Al Khoory, First Vice President, UAE Padel Association (UAE PA), told Gulf News.
“We’ve got a good selection of players, both international and local, who have confirmed for this Challenger tournament. And hopefully, this competition will only raise the profile of this sport and encourage more players to participate in padel,” he added.
Organised by NAS under the patronage of the UAE Padel Association (UAE PA), the final will be held on Saturday. Entry for members of the public at NAS will be free on all three days.
