The national paddle members are working hard to participate in the European Championship in Spain. The group of 10 athletes was chosen based on the results of the internal competitions. They say they are well prepared and have little fear of their opponents.

Daniel OPREA, PADEL PLAYER:“We have high expectations, we are not afraid. As the Sheriff’s coach said: We respect opponents, but we are not afraid of them. ”

Gabriel JIZDAN, PADEL PLAYER:“First of all, we will gain a lot of experience, because we are not as developed in this sport as other countries.”

Our boys will participate for the first time in a European tournament. The president of the paddle federation states that the Republic of Moldova has come a long way until receiving the green light to participate in international tournaments.

Mihai BURCIU, PRESIDENT OF THE PADEL FEDERATION:“If we don’t forget to register the athletes, 3 years ago there is a group of about 5 athletes who play paddle, today there are 150 licensed athletes.”

Paddle tennis is a new sport in Moldova, played only in pairs, respecting the same principles as in tennis. The difference lies in the playing field, which is fenced and has smaller dimensions.

The European paddle tournament in Spain will host 14 national teams. Moldova will play in the same group as Poland, Austria and Hungary. The competition will take place on the Fronton Arena in Bilbao and will take place between October 4 and 9.