Padel is entering a new phase of global recognition, now officially included in major multi-sport events across several continents. The latest milestone came as the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) formally recognized the International Padel Federation (FIP) and Padel Asia—confirming that padel will be included as an official competition sport in future editions of the Asian Games. The unanimous approval by the OCA Executive Board not only elevates padel’s status within Asia’s multi-sport ecosystem but also reinforces its strategic alignment with the continent’s expanding sports governance framework.
This development follows a series of global advancements. In recent years, padel has already been added to the 2023 European Games, the 2022 South American Games, and the upcoming 2026 Mediterranean Games, underscoring its fast-growing relevance in global sport. The timing also coincides with a pivotal moment for the Olympic movement, as the IOC prepares to determine the initial sports program for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games in 2026.
Across Asia, the sport has been especially significant. The sport is now played in 30+ countries, with 1,700+ clubs and 4,600+ courts across the region. Padel Asia—formed as the continental body representing all FIP-affiliated national associations—has strengthened regional governance and accelerated development efforts. Asia has also hosted numerous high-level tournaments, including the FIP Asia Padel Cup, multiple FIP World Championships in Doha (2021, 2024) and Dubai (2022), as well as a packed 2024 calendar featuring 24 Cupra FIP Tour events, 3 Premier Padel events, and 8 FIP Promises youth competitions.
With nearly 100 national federations, over 35 million players, and 80,000+ courts worldwide, FIP’s growing global presence reflects padel’s transformation into one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding racket sports. The sport’s continental recognitions now form a unified signal: Padel has moved decisively into the mainstream of international competition.
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