Doha, July 08 (QNA) - The Qatar Padel Federation 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, reinforcing Qatar's position as a global destination for major international sporting events.

Both editions will be held at the iconic Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, a venue that has hosted some of the world's most important international Padel events in recent years – including the Qatar Major Premier Padel four times, and the last World Team Championships – and has established itself as one of the sport's leading destinations.

The decision to award the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 FIP World Cups to Doha was based on a series of key criteria, including the high quality of sporting infrastructure, the conditions offered to athletes and national delegations, proven experience in staging major international events, high safety standards, financial guarantees, and the strong sporting legacy developed by Qatar in recent years.

  A further element reflecting the growth and ambition of the FIP World Cup is the prize money, which will reach unprecedented levels in the history of Padel and will be distributed equally between the men's and women's competitions.

The 2026 edition will offer a record prize fund of €1.2 million, rising further to €1.35 million in 2028. This represents the highest prize money ever awarded in an official Padel competition and underlines the commitment of FIP and the Qatar Padel Federation to further enhance the prestige of the event and showcase the highest level of competition among national teams.

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." (QNA)