Padel's Historic Inclusion in Asian Games: A Game Changer for the Sport

The inclusion of padel in the Asian Games represents a transformative moment for the sport, transitioning it from a niche activity to a mainstream phenomenon. Mahesh Bhupathi, Co-Founder of the World Padel League, highlights the importance of this event in attracting government interest and investment. Global stars like Coki Nieto and Marta Ortega express excitement about reaching new audiences in Asia, while emphasizing the need for a sustainable ecosystem to support the sport's growth. As the World Padel League prepares for its fourth season, the future of padel looks promising, with increased participation and stronger domestic infrastructures anticipated across the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 23, 2026, 16:34 IST

A New Era for Padel

The addition of padel to the Asian Games signifies a pivotal moment for this rapidly growing sport, marking its shift from a niche activity to a mainstream phenomenon. Originally popular in Spain and Argentina, padel is now set to gain significant visibility, investment, and participation throughout Asia.

Bhupathi on the Sport's Evolution

Mahesh Bhupathi, Co-Founder of the World Padel League (WPL), emphasizes that this moment represents a transition for padel into mainstream sports discussions. He stated, "While medals are significant, the real change lies in the perception of the sport. Being part of an event like the Asian Games attracts government interest, encourages federation investments, and prompts parents to view it as a viable sporting career. This is the essence of our mission at the WPL—to elevate the sport's profile in India and foster a supportive ecosystem for its growth. The Asian Games is a crucial milestone in this journey."

Bhupathi believes that the Asian Games will catalyze development across the region, prompting nations to invest in infrastructure and talent cultivation. He remarked, "This is a transformative moment for padel in Asia. Countries like Spain and Argentina have cultivated robust padel cultures over the years. Through the WPL, we've introduced many top players from these nations to India, which has sparked interest and awareness. The Asian Games will further motivate countries to invest in the sport and nurture talent."

Global Stars Embrace Asian Games Inclusion

Prominent figures in the sport are equally enthusiastic about padel's inclusion in the Asian Games. Coki Nieto, currently ranked World No. 10, expressed optimism that the event will introduce padel to millions of new fans in Asia. He stated, "It's thrilling to witness our sport's growth and the increasing number of participants. Entering the Asian market is a significant milestone, and I believe the Asian Games will allow many to discover padel and become passionate about it, just as we did when we first picked up a racket."

Marta Ortega, also ranked World No. 10, believes this recognition will enhance padel's global standing and strengthen its case for Olympic inclusion. She noted, "This is a crucial step for padel, helping the sport reach new countries and athletes, and hopefully bringing us closer to Olympic recognition. When people see padel featured in a major multi-sport event, they understand its rapid global growth."

WPL's Contribution to Global Growth

Both Nieto and Ortega have witnessed the increasing enthusiasm for padel in India through the World Padel League. Nieto remarked, "It's evident that padel is gradually making its way into regions where it was once unimaginable. The WPL is effectively expanding the sport's reach to more countries."

Ortega added, "After participating in the WPL, I could see the excitement surrounding padel. The sport is growing rapidly, and it's exhilarating to be part of this journey."

Building a Sustainable Ecosystem

While global recognition is a significant advantage, Bhupathi stresses the importance of developing a sustainable ecosystem that allows more individuals to engage with the sport. He stated, "Recognition is just the beginning; what sustains a sport is the surrounding ecosystem. Our focus should now be on creating more opportunities for people to play, compete, and hone their skills. Continued investment in these areas will ensure a bright future for padel."

The Future of Padel and the WPL

As padel makes its debut at one of Asia's premier sporting events, Bhupathi anticipates significant changes in the coming years. He believes that increased participation, stronger domestic ecosystems, and the emergence of new markets will reshape the sport. He concluded, "In five years, we will see a vastly different sport. Participation will rise, domestic ecosystems will strengthen in emerging markets, and competition levels will improve. We have witnessed the potential in countries like Spain and Argentina, and now Asia has the opportunity to build on that foundation."

The World Padel League is set to return for its fourth season from August 12-16 at DOME, SVP Stadium, Mumbai, featuring 36 of the world's top players for five days of elite competition. As padel prepares for its historic debut at the Asian Games, the league continues to play a vital role in expanding the sport's presence in India, showcasing world-class competition, inspiring future talent, and fostering the necessary ecosystem for long-term growth across the region.