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Saturday, October 31, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "FIP" (6 articles)

Gulf Times
Sport

Doha fully primed to host FIP World Cup Qatar 2026

Doha has been fully primed to host an incredible edition of the FIP World Cup Qatar 2026, scheduled for Nov. 2-7 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, the Qatar Padel Federation has revealed.The contest will feature 32 national teams, bringing together some of the world's phenomenal male and female players, with 16 teams contesting the men's event and another 16 competing in the women's event.This third iteration follows the 2021 and 2024 iterations, further promoting international confidence in Qatar's organizational capabilities and solidifying Doha's stature as a global sporting hub. The event builds on Qatar's successful track record of hosting major international sporting events over the past several years.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badminton Federation (QTSBF) and director of the tournament, Tariq Darwish Zainal, asserted that preparations for the tournament had been completed, indicating that Doha was poised to deliver another phenomenal edition, combining high organizational standards with an outstanding experience for spectators and padel enthusiasts.All organizing committees and operational teams had finalized their logistical and coaching preparations, bending every effort toward ensuring a seamless tournament for players and fans alike, Zainal assured.Zainal underscored Qatar's growing expertise in staging wide-ranging international sporting competitions, including the 2021 and 2024 editions of the FIP World Cup. He noted that Qatari personnel had accumulated substantial experience, positioning them to deliver a top-flight championship.Zainal continued by highlighting Qatar's sustained efforts to promote the sport throughout the region and across Asia, citing its annual hosting of a major Premier Padel event, which attracts the world's top-rung male and female players and further strengthens the nation's position on the international padel calendar.Turning to Qatar's campaign, Zainal said the national team ranked among the world's top 10 and would enter the competition eyeing a chance to build on its recent success. This follows the team's gold-medal triumph at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where padel made its Asian Games debut. Qatar will aim to mount a strong challenge, represent the country with distinction and secure a high finish, Zainal recalled. He added that the World Cup would assemble the world's top-ranked national teams, many of which bring profound experience and established records in international padel competition, setting the stage for a highly competitive championship.Executive Director of QTSBF Saad Al Mohannadi asserted that the courts hosting the tournament had been fully customized and tickets had been made available online through official platforms to facilitate access for domestic and international fans and create a distinctive festive atmosphere in the stands.Al Mohannadi highlighted the powerful confidence FIP has placed in Qatar by awarding it the rights to host the 2026 and 2028 editions back-to-back, describing the move as international recognition of the substantial organizational expertise Qatari personnel have accumulated, along with the global high-end infrastructure and sporting facilities the country provides.Qatar's successful hosting record, reinforced by the remarkable feats of the 2021 and 2024 editions, further strengthens Doha's standing as a global sporting hub. The award of two consecutive World Cup editions reflects the international confidence in the nation's organizational capabilities of staging a top-flight championship.So far, 15 national teams in each of the men's and women's categories have qualified for the FIP World Cup Qatar 2026, setting the stage for a highly competitive tournament featuring some of the sport's leading international sides.In the men's competition, the qualified teams are hosts Qatar, reigning world champions Argentina, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, France, Chile, Sweden, the United States, Mexico, Paraguay, the Netherlands and Germany.In the women's competition, the qualified teams are hosts Qatar, Spain, Argentina, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Brazil, Belgium, the United States, Paraguay, Chile, Germany and Great Britain.The official draw and group allocations will take place once the joint African and Asian qualifiers conclude in Kuwait, scheduled for Oct. 26-30. National teams from the two continents will compete for the final 16th place in each category, with the successful sides securing their places in the Doha finals.The remaining qualification places will complete the field for a championship expected to bring together elite national teams and showcase the substantial depth of international padel. 

Gulf Times
Sport

TotalEnergies Qatar named official sponsor of FIP World Cup Qatar 2026

The Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation has signed a partnership agreement with TotalEnergies Qatar, naming the company the official sponsor of FIP World Cup Qatar 2026, which will take place in Doha from Nov. 2 to 7, with 32 national teams competing in the men's and women's categories. The agreement is part of the federation's efforts to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, support the development of padel and help ensure the success of international tournaments hosted by Qatar, amid growing global interest in the sport. Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Tariq Zainal, the tournament director, said the federation was proud of its longstanding partnership with TotalEnergies Qatar. He praised the company's sponsorship of the 2026 World Cup and its role in supporting sports and community initiatives, building on its continued backing of tournaments and events organized by the federation. Zainal said Qatar's selection to host the 2026 and 2028 editions of the World Padel Championships reflected international confidence in the country's organizational capabilities, advanced sports facilities and experienced national workforce, which has helped deliver major global sporting events. He added that the federation looked forward to organizing an outstanding tournament in cooperation with its partners and providing an exceptional sporting experience for players and spectators, further strengthening Qatar's position as a host of major international competitions. Antoine Delafargue, Managing Director of TotalEnergies EP Qatar and Country Chair, said he was pleased to begin a new chapter in the longstanding partnership with the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation through FIP World Cup Qatar 2026. He said the company's sponsorship reflected its continued commitment to supporting sports in Qatar amid the rapid growth of padel. He added that TotalEnergies Qatar looked forward to helping ensure the tournament's success and delivering a memorable experience for players and spectators from Qatar and around the world. FIP World Cup Qatar 2026 will feature 32 national teams - 16 men's teams and 16 women's teams - competing at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. The tournament will offer total prize money of EUR 1.2 million, divided equally between the men's and women's competitions. Doha will host the championship for the third time, following the 2021 and 2024 editions, underscoring Qatar's growing presence on the international sporting calendar. 

Gulf Times
Sport

Qatar to host 2026, 2028 FIP Padel World Cups

The Qatar Padel Federation (QPF) has announced that the International Padel Federation (FIP) has awarded Doha the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 editions of the FIP Padel World Cup, further strengthening Qatar's reputation as a leading destination for major international sporting events.Both tournaments will be staged at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, a venue that has become synonymous with world-class padel competitions. The complex has previously hosted the Qatar Major Premier Padel tournament on four occasions, as well as the most recent FIP World Team Championships, cementing its status as one of the sport's premier venues.The successful bid reflects Qatar's growing prominence in international padel and its continued commitment to hosting top-tier global sporting events.The decision to award Doha the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 FIP World Cups was based on key criteria including its world-class sporting infrastructure, athlete and delegation services, proven track record in staging major international events, high safety standards, financial guarantees, and Qatar's strong sporting legacy.The tournaments will also feature record prize money, with a total purse of €1.2mn for the 2026 edition, increasing to €1.35mn in 2028. The prize money, to be shared equally between the men's and women's competitions, will be the highest ever offered at an official padel event, underscoring the commitment of the FIP and the Qatar Padel Federation to elevate the sport's premier team competition.Tareq Zainal, Secretary General of the Qatar Padel Federation, said: “We are honoured by the International Padel Federation's decision to award Doha the hosting rights for both the 2026 and 2028 FIP World Cup. Having previously hosted the championship on two occasions, we are proud that Qatar continues to be entrusted with one of the sport's most watched events.”“This confidence reflects the dedication of the Qatar Padel Federation and all our partners to delivering world-class tournaments that meet the highest international standards. Hosting two consecutive editions presents a unique opportunity to build on our experience, further enhance the event, and create an exceptional experience for players, teams and fans from around the world. We look forward to welcoming the global Padel community back to Doha and contributing to the continued growth and success of our sport."“The awarding of the 2026 and 2028 editions of the FIP World Cup to Doha is a decision that looks to the future of our sport,” said FIP President Luigi Carraro. He continued: “Qatar has consistently demonstrated that it possesses all the necessary qualities to host world-class events, and awarding two consecutive editions of the World Cup to the country will provide continuity for the tournament's growth, ensuring an outstanding experience for players, federations and fans."Doha is one of the global homes of Padel. On more than one occasion it has demonstrated its ability to deliver exceptional standards of organisation and hospitality, and it holds a special place in the history of international Padel. We are confident it will once again help write new and historic chapters in the story of our sport, with the invaluable contribution of the Qatar Padel Federation, whom I thank for its commitment and passion in supporting the growth of Padel worldwide,” he said.  

Qatar women players in action against Thailand on day of the FIP Padel Asia Cup in Doha on Saturday. Thailand won 2-1.
Sport

Kuwait, Pakistan, Jordan, Kazakhstan and Lebanon notch victories in the men’s section

Kuwait, Pakistan, Jordan, Kazakhstan and Lebanon won their respective group matches in the men’s section while Thailand, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and UAE did likewise in the women’s section to keep their hopes alive for qualifying for the next stage of the FIP Asia Padel Cup organised by the International Padel Federation (FIP) together with the Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) and Padel Asia at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on Saturday.In the men’s section, Kuwait and Bahrain match was a keenly contested one with Kuwait winning it 2-1 to open their campaign on an emphatic note.Bahrain which had won the first match against Indonesia have lost one and won one, while Indonesia the third team in the group have lost the only match they have played so far.On Sunday, Kuwait take on Indonesia which will decide which of the team will make it to the last eight stage by virtue of being the group leader.In Group B, Pakistan got the better of China 2-1 and will face Thailand in their second match, which will also decide the group qualifier. Earlier on Friday China had defeated Thailand in the same group. In Group C, Jordan defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 to start their campaign on a winning note and will face South Korea, who had earlier lost to Saudi Arabia.Jordan has one win from one match, while Saudi Arabia has lost one and won another, while South Korea has lost the lone match they have played so far. The group leader will be decided on Sunday.In Group D, the Lebanon and Kazakhstan clash will decide the group leader, both the teams have won two of their matches in the group while Japan and Philippines have lost both their matches. The four group winners will join the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Australia, and Iran in the Final 8, scheduled from October 20 to 24. In the women’s section in Group A, Thailand were given a tight fight by the hosts Qatar but managed to overcome the spirited challenge 2-1.In the three-team group, Thailand and Lebanon have both won their first-round matches of the group and the group leader will be decided on Sunday when Thailand and Lebanon meet in the crucial tie which will decide which of the two teams qualifies for the quarter-final stage of the championship.In Group B, Indonesia registered their second successive win to remain on top of the group with an all-win record. On Saturday they defeated Bahrain 3-0 while on Friday they had defeated Kuwait 3-0.On Sunday, Kuwait take on Bahrain in the Group B.In the Group C matches, Saudi Arabia defeated Pakistan 3-0 while UAE edged past China 2-1. For Saudi Arabia this was their second successive win having won against China on Friday. UAE also won their second match of the group and the group leader will be decided after the match between Saudi Arabi and UAE.The two clash on Sunday, while China meet Pakistan in the other match of the group.The four group qualifiers from the three groups will be joined by Japan, Australia, the Philippines and Iran have already qualified for the last-eight stage by virtue of their FIP Rankings.Seventeen teams Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Australia, and Iran competing in the men’s section in the week-long championship, while fourteen teams Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Japan, Australia, Philippines, and Iran compete in the women’s section.ResultsMen's sectionGroup A: Kuwait bt Bahrain 2-1Group B: Pakistan bt China 2-1Group C: Jordan bt Saudi Arabia 2-1Group D: Kazakhstan bt Japan 2-1Group D: Lebanon bt Philippines 3-0Women's sectionGroup A: Thailand bt Qatar 2-1Group B: Indonesia bt Bahrain 3-0Group C: UAE bt China 2-1Group C: Saudi Arabia bt Pakistan 3-0Order of play (Sunday 19th October)Men’s matchesGroup A: Indonesia vs KuwaitGroup B: Thailand vs PakistanGroup C: Jordan vs South KoreaGroup D: Lebanon vs KazakhstanGroup D: Japan vs Philippines Women’s matchesGroup A: Lebanon vs ThailandGroup B: Kuwait vs BahrainGroup C: Saudi Arabia vs UAE Group C: China vs PakistanAll matches start at 3.00pmVenue: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex

Gulf Times
Sport

FIP Asia Padel Cup: Bahrain, China, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Kazakhstan off to winning starts

Bahrain, China, Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan won their Group matches in the men's section of the FIP Asia Padel Cup while Lebanon, Indonesia, UAE and Saudi Arabia won their respective group matches in the women's section on the first day of the seven-day championship which kicked off at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha on Friday evening. In the men's section, Bahrain playing on Grandstand 1 overcame a spirited challenge of Indonesia in Group A to start off their campaign on an emphatic note and keep themselves ahead in the race to qualify for the last-eight stage of the championship. Kuwait is the third team in Group A. In the other results of the men's section, in Group B, China defeated Thailand 3-0 to keep them ahead of the qualifying race, Pakistan is the third team in the group and will start their campaign on Saturday. In Group C, Saudi Arabia overcame South Korea 3-0 to make a successful start to their campaign, Jordan is the third team in the group, while in Group D, Kazakhstan defeated Philippines 3-0 to make a strong start to the campaign while in the same group, Lebanon defeated Japan 2-1. Only one team from each of the four men's groups will qualify for the last-eight stage where they join four other countries UAE, Qatar, Australia, and Iran, having qualified for the last-eight based on the FIP Ranking. Women's Section In the women's section, Lebanon, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and UAE were off to winning starts in their respective group matches. Hosts Qatar gave a spirited fight but went down fighting 3-0 to Lebanon in the Group A match. The other team in Group A is Thailand. In the other results, in Group B Indonesia defeated Kuwait 3-0, the other team in Group B is Bahrain. In Group C, UAE got the better of Pakistan 2-1 and in Group C, Saudi Arabia overcame China 2-1. The group leaders from each of the groups will qualify for the last-eight stage where they will be joined by Australia, Japan, Iran, and the Philippines who have already qualified for the Final 8 on virtue of their FIP rankings. Saturday's Matches (Start at 1.30pm) Men's Section Group A: Kuwait vs Bahrain Group B: Pakistan vs China Group C: Jordan vs Saudi Arabia Group D: Japan vs Kazakhstan Group D: Philippines vs Lebanon Women's Section Group A: Thailand vs Qatar Group B: Bahrain vs Indonesia Group C: UAE vs China Group C: Saudi Arabia vs Pakistan Venue: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex Teams Participation Seventeen teams compete in the men’s tournament: Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Australia, and Iran. In the women’s category, there are 14 teams: Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Japan, Australia, Philippines, and Iran. The initial phase runs from October 17–19, with the top teams from each group advancing to the Final 8, scheduled for October 20–24. Results Men's Results Group A: Bahrain bt Indonesia 3-0 Group B: China bt Thailand 3-0 Group C: Saudi Arabia bt South Korea 3-0 Group D: Kazakhstan bt Philippines 3-0 Group D: Lebanon bt Japan 2-1 Women's Results Group A: Lebanon bt Qatar 3-0 Group B: Indonesia bt Kuwait 3-0 Group C: UAE bt Pakistan 2-1 Group C: Saudi Arabia bt China 2-1

Tariq Zainal, President of the Asian Padel Federation and Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel, and Badminton Federation, confirmed that logistical and technical preparations are nearly complete to welcome participating teams.
Sport

Qatar ready to host FIP Asia Padel Cup 2025

Preparations are in full swing for the FIP Asia Padel Cup (Qatar 2025), set to take place from October 17 to 24, at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.The tournament will be held in two phases. The first stage, from October 17-19, will feature 17 national teams ranked between 5th and 21st across Asia and Oceania, divided into four groups. Group winners will advance to the final stage, joining the top four ranked teams in the region for the concluding phase from October 20-24.Tariq Zainal, President of the Asian Padel Federation and Secretary-General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel, and Badminton Federation, confirmed that logistical and technical preparations are nearly complete to welcome participating teams.As part of the event's buildup, the federation announced a platinum sponsorship agreement with Qatar Rail during a press conference held on Thursday. The deal was signed by Zainal and Head of Strategy and Business Development at Qatar Rail, Ajlan Al Enazi.Zainal hailed the partnership as a strong example of collaboration between the sports sector and national institutions.Meanwhile, Al Enezi expressed pride in supporting the first edition of the championship, stating the sponsorship reflects Qatar Rail's corporate social responsibility strategy and commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and national sporting events.He added that sport plays a vital role in community building and youth empowerment, aligning with Qatar's broader social development goals.