Padel has been officially confirmed as a medal sport in the programme of the European Games 2027, to be held in Istanbul (Türkiye) from June 16 to 27, further consolidating its presence within the European Olympic sports ecosystem.
This decision follows the successful debut of padel at the European Games Kraków 2023, where the sport achieved strong recognition both in terms of competition and audience engagement.
A key step in the Olympic pathway
The inclusion of padel in Istanbul 2027 represents an important strategic milestone in its international development and its pathway towards the Olympic movement. This builds on its participation in other major multi-sport events, such as the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya and the Mediterranean Games 2026 in Taranto.
The Istanbul edition will feature 26 sports disciplines and athletes from 49 countries, reinforcing the scale and international scope of the event.
The Kraków 2023 precedent
Padel’s debut at the 2023 European Games marked a turning point for the sport. The finals, held in the city centre of Kraków, attracted around 20,000 spectators, with 23 countries and more than 100 players competing in men’s, women’s, and mixed categories.
The positive outcome of this first experience played a key role in securing its place in the 2027 programme.
Institutional statements
The President of the International Padel Federation, Luigi Carraro, stated: “We are deeply proud of this new milestone. Padel in Istanbul 2027 confirms a path of continuous growth within the Olympic Movement.”
Meanwhile, the President of the European Olympic Committees, Spyros Capralos, highlighted that the inclusion reflects a commitment to integrating “sports that inspire new generations of athletes and fans.”
From the organizing committee, Veli Ozan Çakır, President of Istanbul 2027, emphasized the significance of this decision, underlining the rapid growth of padel in Europe and its contribution to the dynamism of the event.
Strengthening global growth
The confirmation of padel as a medal sport at the European Games 2027 reinforces its international expansion and its positioning as a growing sport within the global landscape, aligned with values such as accessibility, social interaction, and international reach.
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