Padel, often referred to as “paddle tennis” is one of the fastest-growing sports around the world but can it take root in Pakistan? The allure of this tennis/squash hybrid has not gone unnoticed in Pakistan. According to Mamoon Qureshi, the Secretary General of the Pakistan Padel Federation (PPF), Padel is here to stay and has the potential to flourish in Pakistan.
In an exclusive podcast with ProSports, Qureshi delved into the rise of Padel and its burgeoning presence in Pakistan. But what exactly is padel, and why has it captivated sports enthusiasts worldwide?
Padel, invented by Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera, is a racquet sport that melds elements of tennis and squash. Typically played in doubles on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court, it follows tennis scoring principles but allows the ball to be played off the walls, adding a strategic dimension.
An underhand serve starts the game, making it more accessible than the serves in tennis or squash. Matches generally last between one to two hours, depending on style and format.
As of 2023, padel boasts over 25 million players across 110 countries, with projections suggesting it may soon become the world’s second-most popular sport, trailing only football. It enjoys immense popularity in Spain and Latin America and is rapidly gaining traction globally, including in Pakistan.
Pakistan, where cricket reigns supreme, might soon see Padel challenging this long-standing monopoly. The community aspect of padel, typically played by teams of two, sets it apart from solitary sports like tennis.
This social element allows friends and family to engage, making it appealing to a broader audience. The game’s lower skill barrier compared to squash and tennis further enhances its accessibility, attracting players of all ages and abilities.
Qureshi discovered padel five years ago in Dubai, where it has become extremely popular. Believing that what works in Dubai could also work in Pakistan, he set out to introduce the sport to a wider audience. While a few residential padel courts existed in Pakistan, commercial courts accessible to the general public were nonexistent.
The padel craze is now spreading, particularly in Karachi and Lahore, where multiple courts have already been set up. Following its introduction in these two cities, plans are underway to bring padel to other cities in Pakistan.
The enthusiasm for padel is palpable, with more people taking an interest in the sport. “Padel is not just a game; it’s a community activity,” Qureshi emphasized. “It’s easy to learn, fun to play, and it’s something everyone can enjoy.”
Check out the full interview here: