Pickleball Thrives in Málaga's Axarquía Region with New Champions

The Axarquía Pickleball Club in Málaga has emerged as a champion in the veterans category, showcasing the sport's rapid growth in the region. Founded by Antonio Casquero, the club has attracted around 200 members and recently won the national title. Despite their success, they face challenges with training facilities and a waiting list of eager players. As the sport continues to gain traction, there is optimism for future stars to emerge from Spain's pickleball scene. Read on to learn more about their journey and the sport's potential.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 2, 2026, 18:51 IST

Emergence of Pickleball in Axarquía

In the Axarquía region of Málaga, pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity, with the Axarquía Pickleball Club from Rincón de la Victoria recently crowned Spanish champions in the veterans category. Club president Antonio Casquero shared that the initiative stemmed from a sense of dissatisfaction with traditional sports like tennis, padel, and badminton. A pivotal exhibition event in Málaga five years ago transformed their perspective. Casquero, who has a background in professional padel and badminton, recognized the unique potential of pickleball, which merges the best elements of racket sports.

He noted that pickleball is significantly less likely to cause injuries compared to conventional sports, mentioning his own retirement from badminton due to chronic back issues. Four years ago, he established the Axarquía Pickleball Club and initiated what has become Málaga's oldest pickleball tournament in Rincón de la Victoria. The club has seen rapid growth, now boasting around 200 registered members.

During the second National Pickleball Championship, the club fielded teams in both the +18 and +50 categories. Although the +18 team did not advance past the group stage despite winning two out of three matches, the veterans team triumphed, defeating CDE Tenis Alborán in the final.

Jesús Oliver, a member of the veterans’ team, dismissed the notion that pickleball primarily attracts disillusioned tennis or padel players. He described it as a remarkable discovery, emphasizing its lower injury risk compared to other racket sports. Both players acknowledged the physical and mental demands of pickleball, stating, “You need to be in good shape, but mental strength is even more crucial due to the intense matches and strategic elements involved.”

Originating in the United States in 1965, Casquero humorously explained that the name 'pickleball' combines 'pickle' and 'ball,' noting that it sounds more appealing in English than in Spanish. Despite their achievements, the club faces challenges regarding infrastructure. Casquero expressed concerns about the lack of a permanent training facility, relying instead on the availability of municipal courts. He has reached out to the Rincón de la Victoria Town Hall multiple times, only to be told that immediate solutions are not feasible.

Currently, they operate on a booking system akin to gym class reservations, which is not sustainable. With around 200 individuals on the waiting list, only about 100 are actively participating. Nevertheless, the club is optimistic about the sport's future. Casquero believes that as pickleball continues to grow, Spain may soon see its own stars emerge, akin to Alcaraz or Lebrón in the world of pickleball.