Opening Ceremony of the Final 8: colors, music, and applause. Carraro: “An incredible emotion — the new format reflects the success of our sport”

Who knows how José Cruz Herrera — the artist and portraitist who gave his name to the museum he founded, a true landmark of La Línea de la Concepción — would have used all those colors. Those same colors now represent the nine nations — Germany, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, and Spain — taking part in the Final 8 of the FIP Euro Padel Cup: 16 teams, 8 men’s and 8 women’s, competing for the European crown. The tournament officially kicked off with the opening ceremony held among the century-old trees of the Cruz Herrera Museum.

But it wasn’t just the colors lighting up the night — there was also music, applause, and the smiles of the players, carrying hopes and dreams of victory. The introduction reminded everyone that this 14th edition of the European Championship — the first under the new FIP Euro Padel Cup format — is “the most anticipated one yet,” following in the footsteps of Cagliari, host of the last edition, and Madrid, where Phases 1 and 2 took place. Then came the parade of teams, one by one, with their flags, photos, and the cheers of the crowd.

The event also featured welcome messages from Javier Vidal, vice president of the Provincial Council of Cádiz and deputy mayor; Juan Franco, mayor of La Línea de la Concepción; and greetings from Ramón Morcillo, president of the Spanish Padel Federation (FEP).

Then came a video message from FIP President Luigi Carraro: “It’s a great emotion to present this first, historic edition of the Final 8 of the FIP Euro Padel Cup. Until last year, the tournament featured 16 teams in a single stage. Now, with more than 40 European federations and a new format that included Phase 1 and Phase 2, we have the top eight nations in Europe competing here in La Línea de la Concepción — an amazing setting once again. Today officially begins one of the most important competitions of the season, because Europe is the leading continent in the global growth of padel. You are the best players representing your countries, and this is a reflection of how far our sport has come. For all of you — players, coaches, referees, and everyone who loves padel — it’s truly special to celebrate this first edition of the new format in such a historic and unique place as the Plaza de Toros of La Línea. I’d like to thank the local institutions and everyone who helped make this great page in our sport’s history possible”.

The evening closed with the athletes’ and referees’ oaths — and a “see you tomorrow”, when this new and historic European padel championship officially gets underway.