For the first time in its history, Albania is preparing to host one of the most prestigious tournaments on the International Padel Federation circuit. FIP Platinum arrives in Tirana: from 26 to 30 May, the iconic Skanderbeg Square will become the home of Padel, a sport that has achieved global status at a record pace.
FIP Platinum Albania, organised in synergy between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Albanian Padel Federation and the International Padel Federation, will, for one week, host some of the best male and female players in the world. With free entry to the stands of the centre court and the three additional courts that will be set up in Skanderbeg Square, high-level competition and entertainment are guaranteed. FIP Platinum Albania will represent a major opportunity to discover Padel and to strengthen the country’s image as a destination for leading international sporting events.
A total of 28 pairs will compete in the men’s and women’s main draws scheduled from Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 May; 32 pairs will instead take part in the qualifying draws, which will begin on Sunday 24 May. The prize money will amount to €150,000, with the winners – as in all FIP Platinum tournaments – earning 300 points in the FIP World Ranking, the official international ranking of Padel.
The tournament was presented today at a press conference attended by the Albanian Minister of Sport, Tourism and Culture, Blendi Gonxhja, and the President of the International Padel Federation, Luigi Carraro.
“FIP Platinum Albania is not only a competition, but also a concrete demonstration of the country’s organisational capabilities, both at national and local level. It sends a message of openness towards the world’s best athletes, coaches, experts and international media, and contributes to making the country more visible and competitive on the global sporting stage”, said the Albanian Minister of Sport, Tourism and Culture, Blendi Gonxhja. “Although it is a relatively new sport, Padel has experienced extraordinary growth in recent years across Europe and worldwide: countries such as Spain, Italy and Sweden show how it has become a true sporting and social phenomenon. This success stems from the fact that Padel is accessible, dynamic, social and suitable for all ages. For Albania, this tournament represents an important opportunity, especially considering the large number of young people and their interest in new sports. Padel is not seen only as a sporting discipline, but also as a tool to increase citizens’ participation in physical activity, promote a healthy lifestyle and create more active communities. A key element of the initiative is investment in sports infrastructure. Four Padel courts will be built for the tournament, but they will not be temporary structures: they will remain as a lasting legacy and will be used by the Albanian federation to further develop the sport in the country. These facilities will allow the organisation of further national and international events, the development of new talents and the strengthening of the sports system”.
Minister Gonxhja also broadened the scope beyond sport: “The benefits of the event are multiple: the FIP Platinum will increase Albania’s international visibility, promote tourism, generate flows of visitors and consumers, and support sectors such as hotels, transport and catering. This translates into economic revenue for the territory and the development of sports tourism, which is increasingly important in modern economies. Another relevant aspect is education: involving young people in sporting activities brings them closer to new environments and opportunities, encourages an active lifestyle and keeps them away from negative situations such as crime or marginalisation. Cooperation between institutions, local authorities, federations and international partners has been fundamental in organising this event: only by working together can high organisational standards and lasting results be achieved. The FIP Platinum Albania can represent a turning point for the development of Padel in Albania, also stimulating new public and private investments and creating new sports facilities, including in urban and tourist areas”.