Padel sport catches Saudi women’s interest
RIYADH: The racket game padel is becoming popular in Saudi Arabia, with an increasing number of women taking interest in the sport at the Padel Rush club at Boulevard Riyadh City. Riyadh resident Nura Al-Soleiman, 35, switched from tennis to padel about three years ago. “Ever since I moved back to Saudi two months ago, I have been looking for a padel club, and I have now found Padel Rush. I’m just so happy to be playing, and through padel I meet new people,” Al-Soleiman told Arab News. Padel Rush welcomes players of all ages and skill levels to try this game, with qualified staff to support them. Padel is a mix of tennis and squash; it is played in doubles. The balls are similar to tennis balls but with less pressure. Asmar Alshinifi, another Saudi padel player, said that paddling allows her to blow off steam. “I tried padel and instantly fell in love. It’s one of the games that can be competitive and release stress, and is easy to learn,” Alshinifi said.
