Geneva, 18 June 2026 – As the global conversation around women’s leadership, participation and empowerment in sport continues to grow, padel took an important step onto the international stage this week at a high-level United Nations event in Geneva, with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), Premier Padel and the International Padel Federation helping to showcase the sport on the highest platforms.
The event, titled “Empowering Women and Girls in and through Sport: From Words to Deeds”, was held during the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, hosted by the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, QSI and Qatar Foundation. It brought together senior leaders from international institutions and the global sports movement to discuss how sport can move beyond commitments and deliver tangible progress for women and girls.
Speaking during the event, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of Qatar Sports Investments, Premier Padel and President of Paris Saint-Germain, highlighted “the unique power of sport to unite people, inspire young generations and create opportunities for positive social change”. In front of delegations representing nations from all around the world, Mr. Al-Khelaïfi emphasised that “every girl should have the opportunity to participate in sport”, and noted “the significant growth of women's sport at both amateur and professional levels in recent years – particularly seen in Premier Padel where the tour has transformed the professionalism, globalisation and exposure of the women’s game compared to only a few years ago”. At the same time Mr. Al-Khelaïfi stressed that “continued collaboration from all stakeholders was needed for there to be economic sustainability and independence for the women’s game, which was still a long way from being achieved.”
Professional women’s padel was represented by Maria Teixidor, Executive Director of the International Padel Players Association (IPPA), who took part in the event on behalf of female players competing at the highest level of the sport. Her presence reflected the growing relevance of padel within wider conversations around equality, opportunity and the future of women’s sport. During her intervention, Ms. Teixidor highlighted “the progress made by professional padel in recent years” and thanked “the role of Premier Padel and the International Padel Federation (FIP) in creating a global platform where male and female athletes share the same international stage”. She also underlined the importance of continuing to strengthen structures that provide female players with visibility, opportunity and a stronger voice in the development of the sport, together with improve economic circumstances.
The presence of women’s padel at the high-level event also reflected the wider collaboration between Premier Padel, FIP, QSI and IPPA to support the long-term development of the sport. Significant progress has been achieved in just four years, including the introduction of equal prize money across approximately 90% of tournaments on Premier Padel, the CUPRA FIP Tour and the FIP World Cups, equal opportunity at some of the sport’s most iconic venues such as Stade Roland Garros and Foro Italico, increased access to global sponsors and commercial partnerships, including the recent agreement with WHOOP, and broadcast, digital and media coverage that mirrors that of the men’s game. Female players also benefit from the same world-class facilities, medical services and player support programmes as their male counterparts.
For Premier Padel and the International Padel Federation (FIP), ensuring that women's padel was given a platform at the United Nations event reflects a shared commitment to elevating the profile of female athletes and providing them with a voice on some of the world's most influential stages. The event also featured a photography exhibition at the Palais des Nations, home of the UN, showcasing female professional Premier Padel players – and the growth of the sport under the International Padel Federation (FIP) – displayed in front of the world’s most important diplomats.
