The first padel tournament in Asian Games history officially opened on Monday in Nagoya, Japan, marking a significant milestone for the rapidly growing racket sport as it pursues eventual inclusion in the Olympic program. The addition of the discipline to the Asian Games schedule serves as clear confirmation of global growth, according to International Padel Federation officials, bringing the sport one step closer to its ultimate Olympic ambitions alongside its cousin, squash.
Asian Games Debut in Nagoya Highlights Global Expansion
Competition got underway Monday in Nagoya, bringing together athletes from across the region for a historic showcase. While padel enjoys immense popularity in Europe and South America, it remains relatively new to Japanese audiences. To encourage attendance and build local interest, tournament organizers offered free tickets to spectators for the opening matches.
Among those in the stands was Yuko Hiraiwa, a 60-year-old local spectator who attended Monday’s sessions. Describing the action as dynamic and exciting, she noted that while she plays the sport recreationally, it was her first time witnessing a live match. Local fans still found plenty to cheer about, including a first-round victory by Japanese pair Teruaki Ando and Shinnosuke Nakamura, one of four home entries competing at the venue.
International competitors also acknowledged the stark contrast in the sport’s development across different regions. Philippine player Joshea Malazarte, who won her opening match alongside partner Danna Abad, observed that while padel has reached major proportions in Europe, it is only just beginning to take root in Japan.
The Long Road to Olympic Recognition and the Squash Precedent
Padel was born in South America before experiencing a massive surge across Europe over the past decade. The sport made its multi-sport games debut at the 2023 European Games in Cracovie and is scheduled to feature again at the 2027 European Games in Istanbul. Despite occasional play by global sports icons such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Max Verstappen, and Carlos Alcaraz, players from Argentina and Spain dominate the competition.
According to data published in a November 2025 report by the International Padel Federation, the discipline boasts 35 million active players spread across 150 countries. Despite this vast global footprint, securing an Olympic berth presents a formidable logistical and political challenge.
Governance officials point to squash as a clear roadmap and precedent. Despite commanding millions of players worldwide, squash faced multiple unsuccessful bids before finally being accepted into the Olympic family for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The Asian Games in Nagoya proved crucial for squash athletes as well, with Malaysian competitors Sivasangari Subramaniam and Eain Yow Ng capturing the first two direct qualifying spots for the sport’s historic Olympic debut.
Timeline and Future Olympic Prospects
Donatella Del Gaudio, head of international relations and communications at the International Padel Federation, emphasized that the organization is working diligently to secure similar Olympic recognition for padel, mirroring the trajectory of squash.
“We must simply be patient and respect the Olympic cycle,” Del Gaudio stated regarding the timeline. Because padel is absent from the program for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, the sport must wait until at least the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Australia, to have an opportunity at full medal status.
Keep reading
