Padel continues to advance on its path toward the Olympic dream. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has officially recognized padel and confirmed its inclusion in future Asian Games, marking a decisive step that strengthens the sport’s global projection and solidifies its presence among the major multisport events.
The announcement, confirmed by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and its continental division Padel Asia, represents a turning point in the sport’s international expansion. Beyond symbolic value, padel’s inclusion in the Asian Games program opens the door to a future Olympic presence, positioning it alongside the fastest-growing global disciplines.
In a joint statement, the OCA highlighted that collaboration with the FIP and Padel Asia will “consolidate padel’s global growth and support its formal inclusion in future editions of the Asian Games.”
This milestone adds to a growing list of major achievements: after its debut at the 2023 European Games, and its participation in the 2022 South American Games and the 2026 Mediterranean Games, padel continues to strengthen its standing on the international sporting stage.
Asia, a continent in love with padel
The sport is experiencing a true boom across Asia, with more than 4,600 courts and 1,700 clubs spread across over 30 countries. The creation of Padel Asia has provided structure, coordination, and momentum to a growth that has evolved beyond sport to become a genuine social phenomenon.
Asia has also become a hub for major international events: the FIP World Championships in Doha (2021 and 2024) and Dubai (2022), 24 Cupra FIP Tour tournaments in 2024, Premier Padel events, and FIP Promises junior competitions all highlight the region’s dynamism.
The FIP, now approaching 100 national federations and an estimated 35 million players worldwide, considers Asia a key driver for its global expansion.
An announcement with a symbolic stage: Kuwait
The recognition was announced during the first edition of the FIP World Cup Pairs in Kuwait, home of the OCA. During the event, Luigi Carraro, President of the FIP, met with Dr. Husain A. H. Z. Al-Musallam, Director General of the OCA, to outline the roadmap for future cooperation between both institutions.
Carraro welcomed the decision “with pride and enthusiasm,” emphasizing that the FIP will continue “working day and night to promote padel across all categories, men’s, women’s, junior, amateur, and professional.”
For his part, Al-Musallam highlighted padel’s potential as an “emerging sport capable of engaging new generations and embodying Olympic values such as friendship, respect, and excellence,” officially welcoming the FIP and Padel Asia into the OCA family.
Finally, Tariq Zainal, President of Padel Asia, described the inclusion as “a new chapter for the continent and a unique platform for Asian athletes,” underlining the sport’s steady progression toward full international recognition.
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