Padel, an emerging racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, was largely unfamiliar to Pakistan’s sports industry until recently. However, it is now gaining significant popularity among the country’s youth, athletes, and even celebrities.

Played on a smaller, enclosed court, padel blends the fast-paced nature of tennis with the strategic aspects of squash. Typically played in doubles, the sport encourages social interaction and teamwork, making it a fun and engaging activity for players of all levels. The court is about three-quarters the size of a tennis court and features walls on all sides, allowing players to hit the ball off the walls after it bounces, adding an exciting layer of complexity.

As one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, padel is rapidly gaining traction in Pakistan. New facilities are being developed, and competitive opportunities are emerging, particularly in major cities like Karachi. With its growing popularity and increased interest, padel is poised to become a significant part of Pakistan’s sports landscape in the coming years.

In padel, the serve is underarm, and the server must let the ball bounce once before hitting it, ideally at or just below waist height. The serve is delivered diagonally and must land in the opponent’s service box, similar to tennis. The ball must bounce before hitting any side walls, but players can return the shot on the volley, even after it ricochets off the side or back walls. Matches are played in a best-of-three sets format, with scoring similar to tennis.

Padel is played with a smaller, perforated paddle, which is slightly heavier than a tennis racquet. The ball has lower pressure and a slower bounce compared to a tennis ball, adding to the sport’s unique style of play.

Despite its relatively high cost, the demand for padel courts in Karachi far exceeds the current supply. The sport’s rising popularity has prompted various local initiatives, including the establishment of new facilities in the city. Recently, the Pakistan Peoples Party explored Karachi’s expanding sports scene by visiting a newly built Padel facility at Bagh-e-Ibn-e-Qasim, inaugurated by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab. The facility is part of the Sindh government’s broader efforts to revitalize public spaces and promote healthier lifestyles among Karachi’s residents.

Industry Challenges
and Opportunities

Mudassar Razak Arain, Senior Vice President of the Pakistan Padel Federation, spoke about the sport’s emerging status in Pakistan. “Padel is an exciting sport that blends the best of squash and tennis,” he said. “It’s becoming increasingly popular, especially among the elite, but we also see some serious players looking to build careers in the sport.”

However, Mudassar also highlighted concerns about the commercialization of padel in Pakistan. “Many of the unregistered courts are not properly licensed, and the focus has shifted from developing talent to making money,” he explained. “Some tournaments are even being held illegally, without affiliation to the Pakistan Padel Federation, which creates further complications for the sport’s growth.”

Despite these challenges, there is reason for optimism. Mudassar pointed out that Pakistan’s Aziz Khan, an emerging talent, has recently earned international recognition in the sport, marking a major milestone for the country.

“Aziz Khan’s international ranking is a huge achievement for us,” Mudassar said. “It shows that Pakistani players can compete at the global level, and it’s a great source of pride for the whole country.”

Looking Ahead:
Plans for Development

Mudassar Arain emphasized that while some new facilities have been built, many are primarily focused on generating revenue rather than fostering talent. “Our goal is to identify promising players, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds who cannot afford expensive courts,” he said. “We aim to provide free access to padel for those who need it most.”

In the coming months, the Pakistan Padel Federation plans to host national tournaments, with the first one scheduled to begin on April 11. “We aim to promote Padel talent across Pakistan, not just in Karachi,” Mudassar said, adding that the federation is also working on securing hosting rights for an international event. However, he stressed that many of the newly built courts in the country fail to meet international standards.

“Our federation is in talks with the Sindh government to rebuild Padel courts to international specifications,” Mudassar explained. “Once this is done, we’ll be in a better position to host international padel events in Karachi.”

Looking forward, Arain and his team are focused on providing opportunities for talented players from lower-income backgrounds. “We are committed to offering free access to Padel courts and creating training programs for young players,” he said. “By June, we plan to bring in foreign coaches to help us identify and nurture talent.”

As the sport grows in Pakistan, Arain remains optimistic about its future. “There is a wealth of untapped talent in padel,” he concluded. “Our goal is to give young players the opportunity to train without financial barriers. This is just the beginning, and with continued support, we can put Pakistan on the map as a major player in international padel.”

arsalan.shahzad@thenews.com.pk