Lahore to Get Its First Government-Backed Padel Courts

In a major step toward promoting emerging sports in Pakistan, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has finalized plans to build the city’s first-ever government-backed padel courts, aiming to make the fast-growing racket sport more accessible to the public.

According to LDA officials, two separate proposals have been prepared: one for constructing modern padel courts and another for developing a recreational park in the same area. Under the plan, three state-of-the-art padel courts will be built at Ali Park, Garden Town, along with supporting facilities such as parking, walking tracks, an open-air gym, and a children’s play area.

Chief Engineer-II Mazhar Hussain Khan briefed the LDA Director General on the project, which is expected to be presented for formal approval soon. The estimated cost of the initiative exceeds Rs. 200 million. Once completed, the courts will be equipped with lighting and infrastructure to allow play both during the day and at night.

The LDA has already obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) for the site. Officials confirmed that the entire project will be funded through LDA’s own financial resources.

With the growing popularity of padel in Pakistan’s private sports scene, this development marks a significant milestone. It signals the government’s first serious effort to bring the sport into the public domain and provide citizens with world-class facilities in the heart of Lahore.

As construction moves forward, the project stands as a promising example of how public investment in emerging sports can help foster community engagement, healthy lifestyles, and a more inclusive sporting culture across the country.