The sport of the moment is getting closer to the general public: Padel. The European Olympic Committees have decided that the time has come to add this sport, which is booming in Italy, to the program for the third edition of the European Multi-Sport Games, scheduled in Poland in 2023.
It will be the first time that Padel will participate in a major multi-sport event. The International Padel Federation (IFP) was born in Madrid only in 1991. The sport of Mexican origin but brought to great success by Argentina and Spain is played in over 90 countries around the world. The greatest following is recorded in Europe and South America. Affiliated to the International Padel Federation (FIP) there are currently 51 members of respective national federations.
The characteristics of the game, which takes place with rules that can recall a cross between squash and tennis but which actually make it unique, make Padel a very fun sport that can be played at all levels and by players of all characteristics. The rectangular playing area with synthetic grass flooring is enclosed between glass and grids, making it a fast and extremely athletic sport.
At the European Games in Kraków-Małopolska, 64 of the best padel athletes in Europe will compete in men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles for five days of competition. A showcase for many of them, of absolute importance. But also a great opportunity to show their sport to a new audience.
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The president of the European Commission for the coordination of games, Hasan Arat from Turkey, welcomed sport in the program of the Games, stating: “We have always seen the European Games as an opportunity for inclusion and innovation and the addition of Padel in 2023 alongside more established Olympic sports are a great example of this. I am confident that Padel will prove to be a successful addition and will attract a new audience for the sport and for the European Games“.
The president of the FIP, the Italian Luigi Carraro, son of the “presidentissimo” Franco declared: “I would like to thank the European Olympic Committees for welcoming Padel in the sports program of the European Games Kraków-Malopolska 2023“And added”This is a historic moment for the International Padel Federation, our affiliated federations, our athletes and – I am sure – all Padel lovers: girls and boys, women and men who practice our sport with growing passion and enthusiasm. I am sure that we will contribute to the success of the European Games and we look forward to being part of it ”.
The European Games are the continent’s premier multi-sport event for top-level athletes and are held every four years. Padel is the 15th sport to be announced in the draw for the Games of Krakow-Malopolska, combining 3 × 3 basketball, archery, badminton, beach handball, boxing, canoeing, cycling, karate, modern pentathlon, muaythai, shooting, sport climbing, taekwondo and triathlon. More sports will be announced in the coming weeks.
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