The Antonio Monsalve sports hall will host the inaugural La Roda Open pickleball tournament on 7 November, marking the first event of the ‘Pickleball Tour Diputación de Albacete’. This tournament is expected to attract approximately 60 participants competing in men's, women's, and mixed doubles categories.
Javier Escribano, the local sports councillor, and event organiser Alejandro Hernández announced the tournament during a press conference, highlighting the aim to introduce this rapidly growing racket sport to new audiences. Escribano expressed gratitude to the organisers for selecting La Roda to kick off the provincial circuit, which will consist of six qualifying events across various locations in Albacete, culminating in a final master event.
“There will be seven events throughout the province, with La Roda as the first stop. I encourage racket sports enthusiasts to discover this sport and participate in the event,” Escribano stated. The competition will feature around 25 pairs and will run from 9:00 am throughout the day.
The tournament will include intermediate and advanced categories in men's, women's, and mixed doubles. Escribano emphasised the goal of increasing visibility for the sport and ensuring enjoyment for participants in La Roda.
Hernández thanked the local council for their support in making the tournament possible and noted that pickleball had previously gained popularity in La Roda during the European Week of Sport. He added that the aim is not to create a professional circuit but to encourage participation across all towns.
Registration is open for individuals aged 13 and above, with an entry fee of 15 euros per person. The results will contribute to the provincial circuit ranking. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, played with a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball on a court similar in size to a badminton court, separated by a net.
