Milestone moment in sport as Padel set for Asian Games debut: International Padel Federation officially recognised by Olympic Council of Asia

• Padel’s inclusion in Asian Games follows recent inclusion in the European Games 2023, the South American Games 2022, and the upcoming Mediterranean Games 2026.

• International Padel Federation now represents nearly 100 national federations responsible for padel worldwide.

• Under FIP’s governance and leadership, padel continues its pathway towards Olympic inclusion, while FIP also continues developing relations with stakeholders across world sport.

International Padel Federation (FIP) and its continental body, Padel Asia, have today announced a historic step in the sport’s global development: Padel has been officially recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and will be included as an official sport on the programme of the upcoming editions of the Asian Games.

The Council noted that this recognition, along with the strong alliance with FIP and Padel Asia, will further support the growth of Padel globally—and particularly across Asia—through its formal inclusion in future Asian Games.

Following Padel’s recent inclusions in the European Games 2023 (organised by the European Olympic Committees – EOC); the South American Games 2022 organised by the Organización Deportiva Suramericana – ODESUR); and the upcoming Mediterranean Games 2026, the OCA’s recognition marks another significant step forward on Padel’s Olympic pathway.

Padel has experienced remarkable growth in Asia, with now over 4,600 courts across 1,700 clubs in more than 30 countries. The establishment of Padel Asia, the continental umbrella organization for all FIP-affiliated national federations, has strengthened governance and accelerated the development of the sport.

Asia has recently hosted numerous high-profile Padel events, including the FIP Asia Padel Cup, FIP World Cups in Doha (2021, 2024) and Dubai (2022), as well as 24 Cupra FIP Tour tournaments, 3 Premier Padel events, and 8 FIP Promises junior tournaments in 2024 alone. Today, FIP represents nearly 100 national federations worldwide, with over 35 million players across three-quarters of UN member countries and more than 80,000 courts globally.

The announcement coincided with the inaugural FIP World Cup Pairs, which was held last week in Kuwait, home of the OCA Headquarters. During the event, President Carraro had the opportunity to meet with Hon. Dr. Husain A. H. Z. Al-Musallam, OCA Director General & Technical Director, at the OCA Headquarters in Kuwait City to discuss the ongoing development of the partnership between the two organisations.

Luigi Carraro, FIP President, said: “It is with great enthusiasm and pride that we welcome the news that the OCA has unanimously decided to recognize Padel as an official sport of the Asian Games. The timing of this announcement, coinciding with the FIP World Cup Pairs in Kuwait, is perfect — a testament to how padel is increasingly becoming a global sport and a major presence both in Asia and around the world. Following the European Games 2023, the South American Games 2022, and the upcoming Mediterranean Games 2026, we are delighted to see Padel now included in the most important Olympic events in Asia. FIP will keep working night and day for the nearly-100 national federations we represent – and all stakeholders in the Padel ecosystem – developing men’s, women’s, youth, amateur and professional Padel in all five corners of the world.”

Hon. Dr. Husain A. H. Z. Al-Musallam, OCA Director General & Technical Director, said: “We are delighted to officially welcome the International Padel Federation and Padel Asia to the Olympic Council of Asia family. Padel has shown extraordinary growth and energy across the continent, inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans. Its inclusion in the Asian Games reflects our commitment to embracing emerging sports that unite people and embody the Olympic values of friendship, respect, and excellence.”

Tariq Zainal, President of Padel Asia, also commented on the milestone: “The OCA’s recognition opens a new chapter for Padel in Asia. The inclusion of Padel in the Asian Games will provide an incredible platform for our athletes to showcase their talent on one of the biggest sporting stages in the world. Together with FIP and OCA, we are committed to ensuring that this momentum continues, developing pathways for men, women, and young players alike, and making Padel one of the defining sports of the future in Asia.”

The next editions are scheduled for 2026, with two major events on the calendar: the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China (22–30 April 2026), and the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (19 September–4 October 2026).