9 months ago
Padel Officially Recognized by OCA, Set for Asian Games 2026 Debut
Imagine a sport that's a mix of tennis and squash, played on a smaller court with walls.
It's called Padel!
Recently, a big sports group in Asia, called the OCA, officially said Padel is a real sport.
This means Padel will be played at the big Asian Games in 2026, like a mini-Olympics for Asia.
This is a huge step because it helps Padel grow more in Asia and around the world.
Many people are already playing Padel in Asia, with lots of courts and clubs.
Leaders in Padel are very happy about this news and believe it will help more people, including kids and adults, get involved in the sport.
Padel has also been added to other big games in Europe and South America, showing it's becoming a popular sport everywhere.
Padel has been officially recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
The sport will make its debut at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
This recognition is expected to accelerate Padel's growth across Asia and globally.
Padel has seen significant expansion in Asia, with over 4,600 courts and 1,700 clubs in more than 30 countries.
The inclusion follows Padel's presence in other multi-sport events like the European Games and South American Games.
- Who
- The International Padel Federation (FIP), Padel Asia, and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)
- What
- Padel has been officially recognized by the OCA and will be included in the Asian Games 2026 program.
- Where
- Asia, with the Asian Games 2026 being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- When
- Asian Games 2026 (September 19 - October 4)
- Why
- To accelerate the growth of Padel across Asia, strengthen its global development, and provide a platform for athletes.
Key facts
- Sport
- Padel
- Recognizing Body
- Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)
- Debut Event
- Asian Games 2026
- Previous Inclusions
- European Games 2023, South American Games 2022, Mediterranean Games 2026
- Asian Courts
- Over 4,600
- Asian Clubs
- 1,700
- Asian Countries with Padel
- Over 30
- Global Federations Represented
- Nearly 100
Quotes
Luigi Carraro
FIP President
“It is with great pride that we welcome Padel’s recognition by the OCA as an official Asian Games sport. This milestone, following its inclusion in the European, South American, and Mediterranean Games, underscores Padel’s growing global presence. FIP remains committed to developing men’s, women’s, youth, amateur, and professional Padel worldwide.”
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Dr Husain A. H. Z. Al-Musallam
OCA Director General
“We are delighted to officially welcome FIP and Padel Asia to the OCA family. Padel’s growth across Asia is remarkable, and its inclusion in the Asian Games reflects our commitment to emerging sports that inspire athletes and embody Olympic values.”
timesnownews.com
Tariq Zainal
Padel Asia President
“The OCA’s recognition opens a new chapter for Padel in Asia. The Asian Games will provide an incredible platform for our athletes to showcase their talent. Together with FIP and OCA, we aim to continue developing pathways for men, women, and young players, establishing Padel as a defining sport of the future in Asia.”
timesnownews.com
Sources
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