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Key Points

Mahesh Bhupathi believes padel is rapidly gaining popularity in India. He sees the World Padel League as a catalyst for its growth. The sport already has a structured global calendar with four major tournaments. Bhupathi also highlights career opportunities for players and coaches in padel.

Key Points: Mahesh Bhupathi Says Padel is India's Fastest-Growing Sport

  • Padel sees exponential growth in India with tennis players adopting it
  • Bhupathi aims to accelerate padel's expansion via World Padel League
  • Sport already has four global majors like tennis
  • WPL to feature six teams and 36 top players in Mumbai
3 min read

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in India, says Mahesh Bhupathi

Tennis legend Mahesh Bhupathi highlights padel's rapid rise in India and the impact of the World Padel League on its growth.

"Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. – Mahesh Bhupathi"

New Delhi, Aug 12

Mahesh Bhupathi has long been synonymous with Indian tennis glory, putting the nation firmly on the global tennis map. Now, the 12-time Grand Slam doubles champion is lending his experience and vision to another racket sport that’s fast gaining traction - padel. With the World Padel League (WPL), Bhupathi believes the sport is on the cusp of a breakthrough.

"Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Over the last couple of years, there’s been exponential growth, with many tennis players taking it up as a secondary option. But I believe we’re still at ground zero, and there’s plenty of scope for growth," he told IANS.

For Bhupathi, bringing the WPL from Dubai to India is more than just a marquee event; it’s about accelerating this growth. “One of our main goals is to be part of that journey and help it move faster. We are also working closely with the Federation to organise other ancillary events around it. Hopefully, in 5–10 years, we will see just how far this sport can go.”

While the Indian audience may still be discovering padel, the sport already boasts a well-structured global calendar. “Not many people know this, but padel already has four majors,” Bhupathi pointed out. “They play Qatar Major, Italy Premier Padel Major, Paris Premier Padel Major and Mexico Premier Padel Major. Just like tennis, it has a full tour and the players are becoming increasingly popular. For Indian fans, getting to watch this level of play is rare, which is why the WPL is going to be really exciting.”

Bhupathi also sees padel as a sport that can open new career pathways, not just for players but for sports professionals at large. “In any sport, if you want to make a career out of it, you need to start young and put in the hard work. Most tennis coaches are former players, and the same will happen with padel; you need to play the sport at a certain level to coach it well,” he explained. “Right now, many tennis coaches in India are also coaching padel and pickleball. So yes, job opportunities will naturally arise, and that’s great for the overall ecosystem.”

The third season of the World Padel League will be played at Mumbai’s Nesco from August 12 to 16. Following the tremendous response in the second season, the league will feature two more teams, making the league more competitive with six teams and 36 world-class players.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone who's tried padel in Spain, I can say it's super fun! But the equipment costs might be a barrier for mass adoption in India. Hope manufacturers start making affordable Indian versions of the rackets.
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Ananya R
Bhupathi sir is absolutely right about career opportunities! With so many unemployed sports graduates, padel could create coaching jobs. But first we need proper training academies and certification programs.
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Karthik V
While I appreciate the enthusiasm, shouldn't we first focus on improving our tennis infrastructure? Many existing courts are in terrible condition. New sports are good, but let's not neglect the basics.
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Priya S
My kids play padel at school in Mumbai! It's easier to learn than tennis and less intimidating for beginners. More schools should introduce it in their sports curriculum 🎾
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Michael C
The timing is perfect with India's growing middle class looking for new recreational activities. But organizers need to make sure it doesn't become another elite sport only for rich city folks.

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