Will Padel be an Olympic Sport?

Will Padel Become an Olympic Sport? The Road to Recognition

As padel continues to grow in popularity around the world, questions are emerging about its potential inclusion in the Olympic Games. From its humble beginnings in Mexico in the 1960s to its widespread popularity in Spain and across Europe, padel has proven to be more than just a fleeting trend. But what does the future hold for this dynamic sport at the highest level of international competition?

The Current Popularity of Padel

As of 2024, padel is not just a sport but a global phenomenon, reaching an impressive scale across various continents. According to the latest World Padel Report:

• Global Reach and Participation: The sport is now played in 130 countries, showcasing its broad international appeal. The number of amateur players has surged to nearly 30 million worldwide, with a significant 40% being female, highlighting padel's inclusivity.

• Infrastructure Expansion: The growth in infrastructure is notable, with over 63,000 padel courts globally. Europe leads with more than 42,600 courts, demonstrating the sport's stronghold on the continent. However, significant growth has been seen around the world, with a substantial number of courts in South America and emerging facilities in Asia and Africa.

• Clubs and Federations: There are over 19,800 padel clubs and accommodation facilities worldwide, a dramatic increase from previous years. This includes 5,820 clubs affiliated with national federations, underscoring the sport's organizational expansion and formal recognition.

This exponential growth, both in infrastructure and player base, not only demonstrates padel's rising popularity but also strengthens its case for inclusion in the Olympics, as it shows adherence to one of the crucial criteria of being widely practiced by men and women across the globe.

Criteria for Olympic Inclusion

For a sport to be included in the Olympic Games, it must meet several criteria set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). These criteria include widespread popularity across genders and continents, governance by an international non-governmental organization that adheres to the Olympic Charter, and a solid anti-doping program. Padel checks many of these boxes, especially with its international governance by the International Padel Federation and adherence to anti-doping regulations.

Efforts Towards Olympic Inclusion

The International Padel Federation has been making concerted efforts to get padel included in the Olympics. It has increased its push for global recognition and standardization, alongside lobbying efforts with the IOC. The federation also works to boost the sport's visibility through high-profile international tournaments and demonstrations.

Challenges and Opportunities

One of the major challenges facing padel's Olympic inclusion is the existing competition from other racquet sports like tennis and squash. Additionally, the Olympic program is already highly competitive with limited slots available for new sports.

However, the recent inclusion of sports like skateboarding and surfing in the Olympics shows the IOC’s openness to evolving the Olympic program to include sports that appeal to younger demographics and reflect modern sporting trends. Padel's widespread appeal and accessibility could play to its advantage.

What Can We Expect?

While there are no guarantees, the trajectory of padel suggests that it could potentially become an Olympic sport in the future. The key to achieving this goal will likely involve continued expansion worldwide, increased professionalization of the sport, and sustained compliance with IOC standards.

Calendar of the Future Olympic Games

Conclusion

The question of whether padel will become an Olympic sport remains open, but the path forward is promising. As the sport continues to grow and mature, the dream of seeing padel in the Olympic Games becomes increasingly plausible. For now, enthusiasts and federations alike can contribute by promoting the sport at all levels, from local clubs to international competitions, thereby bolstering its case for inclusion in the world's most prestigious sporting event.