Kuwait’s First Pickleball Tournament Marks A Major Milestone For The Sport

Kuwait has officially entered the pickleball arena, hosting its inaugural tournament on April 18 at The British School of Kuwait in Salwa. The one-day event drew 60 players of varying skill levels, ten sponsors, and around 100 enthusiastic spectators, underscoring the sport’s burgeoning popularity in the Gulf nation.

For Hani Haidar, the founder of Pickleball Kuwait, the event was more than just a tournament—it was the realization of a dream he nurtured since his days as a postgraduate student in the UK.

Source: Pickleball.com

A Dream Takes Shape

While pursuing his master’s degree in electronic engineering at Bangor University in North Wales, Haidar discovered pickleball almost by accident.

“I tried many racket sports at Bangor. I saw that pickleball was available to book, but I had no idea what it was. We played it like table tennis initially because we didn’t know the rules,” he shared with a laugh. “I started watching YouTube videos and learning the game properly. Then I found a club nearby where I could learn from experienced players.”

Before leaving the UK in 2023, Haidar decided to equip himself to spread pickleball in Kuwait. He enrolled in the Pickleball Leaders Certification program conducted by Pickleball England, completing courses in Manchester and Swansea. Armed with his newfound expertise, he returned home determined to establish a pickleball community in Kuwait.

Building A Community, One Player At A Time

Starting from scratch, Haidar created an Instagram account for Pickleball Kuwait, using social media to promote the sport and attract new players.

“I didn’t want to return to Kuwait without pickleball,” he said. “I told my friends, ‘Let’s start a club.’ We began by inviting people to try it out, and it just kept growing.”

Today, Pickleball Kuwait is steadily gaining momentum, thanks to Haidar’s relentless efforts. He’s conducted classes for children, organized school visits, and reached out to Kuwait’s Ministry of Youth to secure official recognition for the sport.

“If we get their approval, we can form a team to represent Kuwait in international tournaments. That’s the goal,” he said.

A Landmark Event For Kuwaiti Pickleball

The tournament itself was a resounding success, with every court packed and players ranging from beginners to seasoned athletes showcasing their skills.

“It was an amazing day,” Haidar reflected. “When we started, it was just me and a couple of friends. Now, we’re hosting a big tournament. I even had to tell some friends to park outside because it was so crowded. It was a special moment.”

For Haidar, the event was also a chance to reflect on the rapid rise of pickleball in Kuwait—a rise he’s been instrumental in driving.

Looking To The Future: Gulf Connections And Global Aspirations

Pickleball Kuwait is not stopping at local events. Haidar has been actively reaching out to other pickleball clubs in the Gulf, fostering a sense of community across the region.

“I’ve connected with clubs in Dubai, which is currently the main hub for pickleball in the Gulf. We even have a WhatsApp group for Gulf players to share news and experiences,” Haidar said. “Next week, eight players from Kuwait will participate in the Dubai Open. It’s just the beginning.”

Looking ahead, Haidar envisions a future where pickleball isn’t just a new sport in Kuwait—it’s a thriving community that connects players from across the Gulf.

“Pickleball is a fantastic way to stay fit, have fun, and meet people. It has a bright future in Kuwait,” he said. “I’m excited to see how far we can take it.”

For more updates on Pickleball Kuwait, do check out their Instagram page .