DOHA — Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation President Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi described the Qatar padel team’s gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games as a historic achievement and a source of pride for Qatari sport.
Al Khelaifi made the comments while welcoming the national team delegation back to Doha on Monday, saying the victory reflected the development of padel in Qatar and the support provided to the country’s sport.
Brothers Rashid Nawaf and Mishari Nawaf won the gold medal after beating Malaysia 6-3 6-1 in the final, securing the first padel gold medal in Asian Games history after the sport made its debut in the official programme at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Al Khelaifi congratulated the players, coaches and administrative staff, saying the result would encourage the team to build on its achievements in future competitions.
He said the federation would continue supporting the players and preparing them for continental and international tournaments.
Federation Secretary-General and Asian Padel Federation President Tariq Zainal said the victory marked the start of a new chapter for Qatar’s national team and expressed confidence in the Nawaf brothers and their teammates ahead of the World Championship.
Qatar will host the Padel World Championship from Nov. 2-7, with 16 men’s and 16 women’s national teams scheduled to compete, giving the Asian Games champions an opportunity to build on their historic gold on home soil.
