Against the timeless backdrop of the pyramids, Premier Padel brought a spectacular blend of sport, culture, and heritage to life with an unforgettable exhibition match at the Grand Egyptian Museum.
As the sun set over Cairo, padel stars from around the world took to the court, captivating fans with thrilling rallies and showcasing the sport’s rapid global rise.
The event, held ahead of the highly anticipated NewGiza Premier Padel P2, drew together elite athletes including Argentine sensations Franco Stupaczuk (No 7 FIP and former NewGiza P1 Champion), Maxi Sanchez (No 22 FIP), Qatar’s Mohamed Saadoun, and local hero Khaled Nagy. On the women’s side, Spanish ace Marta Ortega (No 7 FIP) and Portugal’s Sofia Araujo (No.9 FIP) joined Egypt’s rising stars Mora Hakin and Laila El Memr, delivering electrifying matches that highlighted the spirit of competition and camaraderie.
The event featured the presence of Dr Ashraf Sobhy Amer, Minister of Youth and Sports; Khaled El Shawarby, Tournament Director; Luigi Carraro, President of the International Padel Federation (FIP); and David Sugden, CEO of Premier Padel.
Their speeches underscored the rapid growth of padel, both in Egypt and around the world, as they highlighted how events like this help drive the sport’s popularity and build local communities.
A historic setting for a modern sport The Grand Egyptian Museum, which just opened its main galleries on October 16 for a trial run, served as the perfect venue for this unique celebration. With its stunning architecture and proximity to the pyramids of Giza, the museum has quickly become a symbol of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. The museum provided a breathtaking setting that underscored the blend of ancient history and modern sport. As the players battled it out on the court, guests enjoyed an evening that married the elegance of the sport with the grandeur of the Grand Egyptian Museum.
The exhibition matches served as a perfect prelude to the upcoming NewGiza Premier Padel P2, and guests were treated to an evening where skill and spectacle took centre stage.
The exhibition match has set the stage for the main event: the NewGiza Premier Padel P2, running from October 21-26 at the NewGiza Sports Club.
The tournament, now in its second edition, promises to bring more action-packed matches.
In 2022, Franco Stupaczuk, one of the evening’s stars, took home the title while battling veteran Pablo Lima.
This year’s competition is expected to be even fiercer, with top talents vying for glory in Cairo.
