The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) granted interim affiliation to the Pakistan Padel Federation, placing it under the leadership of former squash legend Jahangir Khan.
According to the PSB, the affiliation is conditional. The federation must complete its registration under the Companies Act within 90 days and secure international recognition. It is also required to pursue formal affiliation with the International Padel Federation through proper channels.
Jahangir Khan will serve as President of the federation, while Mansoor Ali Khan has been approved as Secretary.
The decision comes after ongoing disputes over padel governance in Pakistan. Multiple groups had previously claimed to be the sport’s official governing body, leading to confusion and fragmentation.
In a related development, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an inquiry against one of these groups, highlighting the administrative challenges surrounding the sport.
Padel, a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has steadily grown in popularity in Pakistan over the past decade.
It was initially introduced through private clubs and recreational facilities in major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The sport quickly gained traction among urban youth and expatriate communities.
Its early growth was largely driven by private investment, with several high-end clubs building dedicated courts and organizing amateur competitions.
However, the lack of a unified governing body led to fragmentation, as different groups attempted to form parallel federations without official recognition from the PSB.
Despite these challenges, participation in padel has continued to rise, with more facilities and players emerging across the country.
The PSB’s decision to grant interim affiliation is expected to bring structure to the sport and support its formal development, including potential representation at international levels.