The Japan Times - Kuwait padel chief hails national showing at Premier Padel Major

Kuwaiti padel player Abdulaziz Redha expressed pride in his performance alongside Spanish partner Pau Minano Ortinez at the Premier Padel Major in Kuwait, saying the pair delivered a strong showing against some of the world’s leading players despite falling short of victory.

Speaking to Kuwait Times following their match, Redha described competing in one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments as an achievement for Kuwaiti athletes. “It’s a source of pride for every Kuwaiti to compete in one of the best and most prestigious tournaments in the world, a Premier Padel Major, which is the highest category in the sport,” he said.

“We put in an excellent performance. Everyone knows the level of the players we’re facing. We played against players ranked among the world’s top 20. The best players in the world are here,” he added.

Redha said he was satisfied with the pair’s performance regardless of the result, adding that representing Kuwait on such a stage carried particular significance. “We delivered a strong performance, one that represents Kuwaiti sport and Kuwaiti padel well. Regardless of the result, I’m proud of how we played,” he said.

The Kuwaiti player also praised the spectators who attended the match, describing their encouragement as an important motivation throughout the contest. “We entertained the crowd, and that’s the most important thing. The fans came out today to support us and the Kuwaiti players. They were cheering from the heart,” Redha said. “I told myself I would give everything I had on the court. The result is ultimately in God’s hands. I want to thank all the fans who supported us today.”

Redha, who began his sporting career in tennis, said he spent 17 years playing the sport before switching to padel four years ago. His partnership with Minano Ortinez developed in Madrid, where the two trained together at the Diagonal Academy. “We were training together in Madrid at the Diagonal Academy. That’s where we met, and we decided to play this tournament together,” Redha explained.

He also thanked Nasser Al-Kharafi for providing the wildcard invitation that enabled the pair to participate in the tournament. Miano Ortinez, who is originally from Mallorca and currently lives in Madrid, shared his partner’s positive assessment of their performance, although he acknowledged that they had missed opportunities during the match.

“I think it’s a really nice tournament, and the court is incredible. I’m very happy that Aziz called me to play in this tournament,” he told Kuwait Times. “We found the court a little slow. It’s a shame we couldn’t capitalize on those final opportunities, but I’m very happy with the match, with Aziz, with the academy, with everything.”

The Spanish player explained that their friendship developed through regular training sessions in Madrid after Redha contacted him and their coach to arrange practice sessions.

“Aziz contacted me and then our coach to let us know they were coming to Madrid. We started training together, with him and his partner, and everything went really well,” he said. “Since we both speak English perfectly, we understood each other easily. We played together, trained together, and eventually arranged to play more often. That’s how we became friends,” he added.

Making his first visit to Kuwait, Minano Ortinez expressed admiration for the country and particularly the facilities hosting the tournament. “I think it’s a city with a lot of potential. I was actually telling Aziz that yesterday when we were talking. I think it’s a very beautiful city,” he said. “The venue itself is spectacular. I honestly don’t have the words to describe it.”

He said the combination of sporting facilities, accommodation and commercial amenities had particularly impressed him. “Honestly, I’d say these facilities. For us in Spain, facilities like these are incredible. We don’t have anything quite like this,” he said. “Having all of this together, with the hotel, the shopping mall and everything else, is incredible.”

Both players concluded by thanking the spectators for their support. “I’d like to thank Kuwait and everyone who came out to support us. The atmosphere has been incredible,” Minano Ortinez said.

Redha reserved particular appreciation for his family, friends and supporters, including Al-Kharafi, whom he credited with supporting him throughout his sporting career. “They’ve always stood by my side and supported me throughout. Their support has honestly meant so much to me that I can’t put it into words,” he said.

H.Hayashi--JT