SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, in collaboration with the Maldives Padel Association, successfully hosted the inaugural Inter Resort & Partners Maldives Padel Open 2026 from 18 to 20 June 2026 at the padel court located at CROSSROADS Maldives, bringing together leading resorts, hospitality professionals, and sports enthusiasts for three days of vibrant competition and engagement. The tournament was officially inaugurated by Chief Guest Ahmed Mohamed Waheed, Minister of State for the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, who delivered the opening address and underscored the importance of fostering emerging sports in the Maldives as part of the country’s broader sporting and youth development agenda.
The event represented an important advancement for both sports tourism and recreational sports development in the Maldives, as the first inter-resort padel tournament of its kind to be held in the country. With padel continuing to establish itself as one of the fastest-growing sports internationally, the tournament created a timely platform to introduce the game to a wider audience while strengthening its presence within the Maldivian hospitality sector. Set against the distinctive lifestyle destination of CROSSROADS Maldives, the tournament also highlighted the destination’s capacity to host innovative experiences that combine leisure, wellness, recreation, and international-standard sporting activities in a resort environment that appeals to both visitors and residents.
The padel court at CROSSROADS Maldives holds a unique position in the country, as it remains the only facility currently accessible to both international visitors and local residents. This accessibility gives the venue an especially important role in supporting the development of padel in the Maldives, enabling greater exposure to the sport and encouraging broader community participation. As interest in padel continues to rise among resort guests worldwide, the successful staging of this tournament demonstrates how the Maldives can further diversify its tourism offerings by embracing contemporary sports experiences that resonate with global travel and lifestyle trends.
Six leading resorts took part in the competition, reflecting strong support from some of the Maldives’ most recognised hospitality brands. Participating resorts included SAii Lagoon Maldives and CROSSROADS Maldives, One&Only Reethi Rah, Velaa Private Island Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, and ROBINSON Maldives. Competing teams were Hideaway Team, SAii Stars, SAii Swing, Kings, RR Court Kings, RRC Challengers, Robinson Noonu, Velaa Infinity, and Velaa Strikers. Their participation added energy, professionalism, and a strong spirit of camaraderie to the tournament, while also illustrating the growing enthusiasm for padel across the resort sector.
The championship title was claimed by Velaa Strikers of Velaa Private Island Maldives, represented by Mohamed Sharkheel and Hussain Samil, who were crowned champions of the inaugural Inter Resort & Partners Maldives Padel Open 2026 after delivering an impressive performance marked by skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the tournament. In recognition of their achievement, the champions received an exclusive prize package sponsored by valued partners, including a three-night stay for two persons at SAii Phi Phi Island Village with daily breakfast and round-trip sea transfers, as well as a two-night stay for two persons in a Water Villa at ROBINSON Noonu on an all-inclusive basis. The prize package reflected the prestige of becoming the first champions of this tournament and celebrated excellence in the sport.
The runners-up position was secured by Hideaway Team of Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, represented by Dimithu Dheshan and Emmanuel Sunday, following a strong and highly competitive run to the final. Their performance throughout the tournament demonstrated resilience, consistency, and commendable sportsmanship. As runners-up, the team received a two-night stay for two persons in a Water Villa on an all-inclusive basis, generously sponsored by ROBINSON Noonu. Third place was awarded to RR Court Kings of One&Only Reethi Rah, represented by Gaaidh Gasim and Adam Aboobakuru, after a series of notable performances during the competition. Their prize, sponsored by SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, included a one-night stay for two persons on a full board basis, along with return combined airport transfers.
The tournament also recognised individual emerging talent through the Most Promising Player award, which was presented to Lisle Solivio Stopforth of the RRC Team from One&Only Reethi Rah. The award acknowledged his dedication, talent, and standout performance during the competition. The prize, generously sponsored by Ministry of Crab at The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives, included an exclusive dining experience for two persons featuring a specially curated menu, adding a memorable hospitality element to the recognition of sporting promise.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Maldives Padel Association President Hussain Ihvan said that although padel remains relatively new to many people in the Maldives, it has already gained considerable popularity within the hospitality industry and continues to expand rapidly around the world. He noted that the tournament represents an important first step in introducing the sport to a broader audience and in creating opportunities for local talent to develop. He further stated that the association envisions the development of additional padel courts within the Greater Malé City area to improve accessibility, encourage wider participation, and support the long-term objective of positioning Maldivian athletes to compete on the international stage.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Sports, who commended the initiative and its contribution to broadening the country’s sporting landscape. Their presence reflected growing institutional support for the introduction of new sporting disciplines and for initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for youth participation, talent development, and collaboration between the public and private sectors. The tournament’s successful execution also illustrated how strategic partnerships between sports bodies and hospitality operators can contribute to national development priorities while enriching the visitor experience.
Commenting on the event, Alexander Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives and The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives, expressed pride in partnering with the Maldives Padel Association to host the inaugural tournament. He stated that as a destination that continually seeks to introduce new experiences for both guests and the local community, SAii Lagoon Maldives is pleased to support the growth of padel in the Maldives. He added that the strong participation from resorts and partners reflects the sport’s considerable potential and expressed optimism about its continued expansion across the country.
Beyond the tournament itself, the event reinforced the growing role of integrated leisure destinations such as CROSSROADS Maldives in shaping new dimensions of tourism and lifestyle experiences in the Maldives. By hosting a competition that combines sporting excellence, resort collaboration, and community engagement, SAii Lagoon Maldives and its partners have demonstrated how resort destinations can serve as platforms for innovation, connection, and positive international visibility. The success of the Inter Resort & Partners Maldives Padel Open 2026 opens the door for future editions, wider participation, and sustained momentum in the development of padel nationwide, while further strengthening the Maldives’ reputation as a destination capable of offering diverse and contemporary experiences to a global audience.
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