In just a few years, padel has transformed from a curiosity to a major phenomenon in Mauritius. Behind this growth is a collective effort by clubs, players, and enthusiasts. Three individuals, Christian Bezandry, Pascal Hoffmann, and Mathieu Vallet, have played a crucial role in shaping the sport's structure and popularity. Their journey began in 2017 with a project to create a multi-disciplinary sports center.
Bezandry and Hoffmann initially envisioned a large center with various sports facilities, including padel, squash, badminton, and tennis. Although they didn't know much about padel at the time, they included it in their plans. The project evolved, and Hoffmann pursued his own venture with Urban Sport, while the initial concept led to the creation of RM CLUB in Forbach. Despite their separate paths, each contributed to the gradual establishment of padel in Mauritius.
RM CLUB opened its doors in November 2020, and Urban Sport developed its infrastructure. As players began to take notice, Hoffmann marked 2020 as the year padel started to gain traction on the island. Since then, the sport has experienced exponential growth. The number of courts and players has increased, leading to a new challenge: transforming this enthusiasm into a structured competitive practice.
Mathieu Vallet joined forces with Bezandry and Hoffmann to develop the Mauritius Padel League in September 2023. The trio introduced a circuit that allowed players to progress through various levels, including M25, M100, M250, M500, and M1000. A ranking system was also established to track player progress. The circuit quickly gained popularity, attracting players from Réunion and Madagascar.
The Mauritius Padel League has become a platform for players to compete and improve their skills. Vallet, now a top-ranked player and number one in Mauritius, has seen firsthand the evolution of competition levels. This season, he maintained his position at the top of the national ranking and led Mauritius to the Island Padel Cup. The creation of this regional competition marks another milestone in the sport's growth.
The Island Padel Cup, which brings together players from Mauritius, Réunion, and Madagascar, has become a significant event. During the 2025 edition in Mauritius, Hoffmann expressed his satisfaction with the tournament's success, highlighting its importance in promoting padel in the Indian Ocean. Vallet, as team captain, emphasized the shared vision of making padel a reference point in the region.
Nine years after the initial project, Mauritius boasts multiple clubs, a regular circuit, various competition categories, and national teams preparing for the Island Padel Cup in Réunion. Bezandry reflects on the journey, acknowledging the contributions of many individuals, including clubs, players, organizers, partners, and enthusiasts. While the trio has been instrumental in padel's growth, the sport's progress is a testament to the collective effort.
Key points
- The trio of Christian Bezandry, Pascal Hoffmann, and Mathieu Vallet has been instrumental in the growth of padel in Mauritius.
- The Mauritius Padel League has provided a structured platform for players to compete and improve their skills.
- The sport has gained popularity, with players from Réunion and Madagascar participating in tournaments.
