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Key Points

Maharashtra Sports Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate has vowed to push for padel infrastructure after attending the World Padel League in Mumbai. He praised the sport’s fast-paced nature and global growth, emphasizing India’s potential to compete internationally. The event showcased elite talent and drew first-time spectators, highlighting padel’s rising appeal. With government support, India could soon see dedicated facilities for the sport.

Key Points: Maharashtra Sports Minister Kokate Pushes for Padel Facilities

  • Maharashtra Sports Minister supports padel growth in India
  • Kokate impressed by World Padel League’s international talent
  • Plans to discuss infrastructure development with ministry
  • Padel gaining popularity for its fast-paced, social gameplay
2 min read

Maharashtra Sports Minister Adv Kokate to talk with govt to help create facilities for padel

Adv. Manikrao Kokate pledges to discuss padel infrastructure with the Sports Ministry after witnessing the World Padel League in Mumbai.

"I will be speaking to the ministry about creating dedicated padel facilities so our youth can train seriously. – Adv. Manikrao Kokate"

Mumbai, Aug 14

Padel’s growing presence in India received a nod from Adv. Manikrao Kokate, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare of Maharashtra, as he promised that he would speak to the Sports Ministry about developing infrastructure for padel in the state.

Adv. Manikrao Kokate was attending the World Padel League in Mumbai on Wednesday, where he watched top international players in action.

“I’ve seen padel before, and to me, it feels like a wonderful mix between tennis and squash, fast, intense, and thoroughly enjoyable. It’s among the fastest-growing sports in the world, and events like the World Padel League, along with companies such as Iconik Sports & Events, are bringing it into the spotlight in India,” he said.

Highlighting that most current players in the tournament are from outside India, the minister expressed confidence in the country’s potential. “We have the skill and determination in this country to compete internationally. I will be speaking to the ministry about creating dedicated padel facilities so that our youth can train seriously and make India a competitive force in the sport,” he noted.

With high-speed rallies, deft shot-making, and a charged atmosphere, the World Padel League’s third season has transformed NESCO into a lively hub for the sport. For many spectators, it was their first live experience of padel, and with conversations about infrastructure now reaching the ministry level, it may not be their last.

Once seen only in select clubs, padel has rapidly evolved into a sport drawing players and fans from varied age groups and backgrounds. Its easy-to-learn format, social nature, and fast-paced rallies have made it a hit in countries worldwide, and India is no exception. The World Padel League’s third season in Mumbai has showcased not just elite international talent but also the sport’s ability to connect with audiences from first-time viewers to seasoned racquet sport enthusiasts.

With an extensive broadcast network spanning all continents, the World Padel League Season 3 will bring the excitement and energy of padel to fans around the globe, truly making it a worldwide sporting event.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As an expat living in Mumbai, I've played padel back home and it's fantastic to see it gaining traction here. The energy at NESCO was electric! But I hope they make facilities affordable, not just for elite clubs.
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Aditya G
Good initiative but I hope this isn't just lip service. Our sports ministers make many promises but follow-through is weak. First fix existing stadiums before building new ones for 'elite' sports.
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Priya S
Padel is perfect for our cities where space is limited! Played it in Spain and it's so much fun. Hope they build courts in housing societies and schools, not just big stadiums. More sports options = healthier youth!
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Karthik V
Saw the matches on TV - what an exciting sport! But government should focus on making it accessible to middle class too. Most new sports facilities end up being too expensive for common people.
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Nisha Z
As a physical education teacher, I welcome this! We need more sports like padel that are easy to learn but still competitive. Hope they include it in school sports programs across the state.

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