The first-ever padel tournament at the Asian Games commenced on Monday, September 28, 2026, in Nagoya, Japan. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the sport, which has gained immense popularity worldwide. According to Donatella Del Gaudio, Director of International Relations and Communication at the International Padel Federation, the inclusion of padel in the Asian Games program confirms the sport's growing global presence.
Padel, which originated in South America before gaining widespread popularity in Europe over the past decade, made its European Games debut in 2023 in Krakow. It will also feature in the 2027 European Games in Istanbul. Despite its growing global appeal, padel remains dominated by Argentine and Spanish players. The sport has attracted occasional participation from international celebrities like Max Verstappen, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Carlos Alcaraz.
At the Asian Games, organizers are offering free tickets to spectators to encourage attendance at the padel tournament. Yuko Hiraiwa, a Japanese spectator, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating that it was "very dynamic and exciting." However, she noted that the local crowd seemed relatively calm. Japanese players Teruaki Ando and Shinnosuke Nakamura secured a first-round victory, providing a boost to the local fans.
According to a report by the International Padel Federation published in November 2025, padel has 35 million players across 150 countries. Despite this significant following, Olympic recognition is not imminent. The sport will need to wait at least until the 2032 Brisbane Olympics to be considered for inclusion in the Olympic program. The International Padel Federation is working diligently to achieve Olympic recognition, with Del Gaudio emphasizing the need for patience and adherence to the Olympic calendar.
The Asian Games have provided a crucial platform for other sports seeking Olympic recognition. The Malaysian squash players Sivasangari Subramaniam and Eain Yow Ng secured the first two Olympic tickets for their sport at the Games. Padel's journey to Olympic recognition may face similar challenges, but its growing popularity and global reach make a strong case for its inclusion in the Olympic program.
As the padel tournament continues at the Asian Games, players and spectators alike are embracing the sport's unique energy. The Philippine duo Joshea Malazarte and Danna Abad expressed their excitement about competing in the event, noting that padel is still in its early stages of growth in Asia. With its debut at the Asian Games, padel has taken a significant step toward achieving its Olympic ambitions.
Key points
- Padel makes its debut at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, marking a significant milestone in its bid for Olympic recognition.
- The sport has 35 million players across 150 countries, according to a report by the International Padel Federation.
- Padel's inclusion in the Olympic program is not expected until at least the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
