Paddle enters a new era in Doha

Paddle enters a new era in Doha

The Premier Paddle Qatar Major 2022 tournament is the first Division 1 event of a new circuit, which is richly concluded and already well broadcast.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup draw, scheduled for Friday in Doha, is not the only sporting event of the week in the Gulf Emirates. Starting Monday, Khalifa takes place at the International Tennis and Squash Complex, the first Grand Slam of the discipline’s new official world circuit, now known as Premier Paddle, financed by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), headed by Investment fund. Paris Saint-Germain’s President Nasser Al-Khelafi. A new circuit supported and recognized by the International Paddle Federation (FIP) and the Association of Professional Players (PPA). At least something to revolutionize this still secret discipline in France.

It must be said that QSI has put the means. With a record prize pool of €525,000 for this inaugural Grand Slam and its 123 pairs including players from 19 different countries, Qatar wants to be ambitious. The Premier Paddle Tour is based on a new calendar of international and national competitions, consisting of four highly rated Majors. At least 10 tournaments are planned for each of 2022 and 2023, increasing to over 25 tournaments per year in 2024.

In France the formality of a date is expected. Meanwhile, TV channels that are important in the world of sports have not hidden their interest. without surprise, be involved in sports, Of which Nasser al-Khelafi is the president, this new circuit will broadcast exclusively to 37 countries, including France. major international broadcasters ESPN It was also announced as the tournament’s official broadcast partner in Latin America. Sky Italy, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Germany, Switzerland and Austria will offer tournaments. supersport Ooredoo will also broadcast Qatar Major in 54 regions in sub-Saharan Africa.

This little sister of tennis comes out of her privacy. The International Paddle Federation (FIP) announced a month ago the construction of a new international circuit financed by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI). A revolution in this racket sport by combining tennis and squash. A discipline from South American countries and Spain disputed small tennis courts of a few meters (20 m by 10 m) with plexiglass walls and grids on the sides. QSI descended into a discipline shaken by internal tension.

Until now, the world’s best players were tied to a private super league until the end of 2023, called the World Paddle Tour and financed by the Estrella Dam beer brand. A closed league, where the best get little income. The contract binding the best players on the planet to the WPT obliges them to participate in all tournaments that are held under the penalty of financial sanction (estimated between 300,000 and 500,000 euros in fines). Last October, the best players on the planet decided to take control of their rights and their future with the Professional Paddle Association (PPA), chaired by world number one Alejandro Galán. Thus along with the International Federation, they have filed a landmark complaint with the European Commission for the cancellation of their existing contracts. Never before, in the field of play, has there been a federation and players were forced to file such complaints with the European Commission.

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