SAii Lagoon Hosts First-Ever Inter-Resort Maldives Padel Open
The tournament took place from 18 to 20 June at the padel court located at CROSSROADS Maldives. | Photo: CROSSROADS Maldives
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, in collaboration with the Maldives Padel Association, has hosted the inaugural Inter Resort & Partners Maldives Padel Open 2026, marking the first inter-resort padel tournament held in the country.
The event was officially inaugurated by State Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Ahmed Mohamed Waheed, who delivered the opening address and highlighted the importance of developing emerging sports in the Maldives.
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The tournament took place from 18 to 20 June at the padel court located at CROSSROADS Maldives, bringing together six resorts and hospitality teams in a three-day competition aimed at promoting the growing sport.
Participating resorts included SAii Lagoon Maldives & CROSSROADS Maldives, One&Only Reethi Rah, Velaa Private Island Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, and ROBINSON Maldives, with teams competing under various resort-based line-ups.
According to organisers, the tournament represents a milestone for sports tourism and recreational sports development in the Maldives, with padel continuing to gain popularity among resort guests internationally. The court at CROSSROADS Maldives remains the only facility in the country currently open to both international visitors and local residents.
Velaa Strikers, representing Velaa Private Island Maldives, emerged as champions after an unbeaten run, with players Mohamed Sharkheel and Hussain Samil securing the title, according to CROSSROADS Maldives.
Hideaway Team from Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa finished as runners-up, while RR Court Kings from One&Only Reethi Rah secured third place. Lisle Solivio Stopforth of RRC Team was named Most Promising Player of the tournament.
Maldives Padel Association President Hussain Ihvan said the tournament marked an important step in introducing the sport to a broader audience and developing local talent, adding that there are plans to expand access through additional courts in the Greater Malé area.
SAii Lagoon Maldives General Manager Alexander Traeger said the resort was proud to support the initiative, noting that the strong participation from resorts demonstrated the sport’s growing potential in the country.
