Padel Takes a Historic Step: Recognized as an Official Sport in the Asian Games

The global growth of Padel continues to advance at great speed. Today, the International Padel Federation (FIP) and its continental body, Padel Asia, have announced a momentous milestone: Padel has been officially recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and will be part of the sports program for the upcoming editions of the Asian Games.

A recognition that not only consolidates the expansion of Padel on the continent, but also brings it one step closer to its great objective: inclusion in the Olympic Games.

A decisive boost for the growth of Padel in Asia

The OCA highlighted that this decision, together with the strategic alliance with the FIP and Padel Asia, will strengthen the development of Padel throughout the region, allowing its official incorporation in future editions of the Asian Games.

This announcement comes after other significant milestones, such as the presence of Padel in the 2023 European Games, the 2022 South American Games, and the upcoming 2026 Mediterranean Games. The OCA’s recognition represents a crucial step forward on the path to the Olympic stage.

A key continent in the expansion of Padel

The growth of Padel in Asia has been extraordinary. Currently, the continent has:

• More than 4,600 courts
• 1,700 clubs
• Presence in more than 30 countries

The creation of Padel Asia has boosted regional governance and the expansion of the sport. In addition, Asia has hosted some of the most important events on the international calendar:

• FIP Asian Cup
• FIP World Championships in Doha (2021, 2024) and Dubai (2022)
• 24 tournaments of the Cupra FIP Tour
• 3 Premier Padel events
• 8 FIP Promises youth tournaments in 2024 alone

The FIP today represents almost 100 national federations and more than 35 million players worldwide, with a total exceeding 80,000 courts globally.

An announcement with the perfect setting: Kuwait

The OCA’s recognition was announced during the inaugural FIP World Cup Pairs tournament, held last week in Kuwait, headquarters of the Olympic Council of Asia. During the event, the President of the FIP, Luigi Carraro, met with the Hon. Dr. Husain A. H. Z. Al-Musallam, Director General and Technical Director of the OCA, to strengthen cooperation between both organizations.

Key statements that set the course for Padel

Luigi Carraro, President of the FIP, celebrated the announcement:
“The OCA has unanimously recognized Padel as an official sport of the Asian Games, a huge step for our sport. This recognition confirms the global expansion of Padel and its growing presence in Asia and the rest of the world.”

Hon. Dr. Husain A. H. Z. Al-Musallam, OCA , highlighted:
“Padel is inspiring a new generation of athletes in Asia. Its inclusion reflects our commitment to emerging sports that unite people and embody Olympic values.”

Tariq Zainal, President of Padel Asia, added:
“The inclusion of Padel in the Asian Games opens an extraordinary platform for Asian athletes to demonstrate their talent. It is the beginning of a new chapter for Padel in the region.”

Upcoming events: 2026 will be a key year

Padel will debut as an official sport in two major OCA events:

• Asian Beach Games – Sanya, China: April 22–30, 2026
• Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya, Japan: September 19 – October 4, 2026

A historic calendar that will consolidate the role of Padel in the largest multi-sport competition on the continent.