The Birth and Global Growth of Padel
Padel, a unique blend of squash and tennis, was born in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico, thanks to Enrique Corcuera. Corcuera, an avid Basque pelota player, created an indoor space of 20x10 meters, unintentionally giving birth to padel. This sport is typically played on an indoor doubles court, featuring underarm serves and a tennis-like scoring system, excluding the golden point. Today, padel is recognized as the world’s fastest-growing sport, with over 30 million amateur players in more than 100 countries, according to the Federación Internacional de Pádel (FIP).
Padel's Journey to India
In 2016, Sneha Abraham and her husband Ronnie, who managed a successful tennis center in Bengaluru, visited Barcelona Total Tennis (BTT). They were astonished by the popularity of padel in Spain, where padel courts significantly outnumbered tennis courts. Inspired by this, Sneha decided to introduce padel to India, highlighting its inclusiveness, ease of learning, and health benefits. In 2017, the Indian Padel Federation (IPF) was established, with the first padel court set up in Bengaluru. Since then, padel has attracted over a million players in India, with 2,000-3,000 regular players, mainly in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
The Business of Padel in India
Padel’s expansion in India has been driven by increased awareness and the establishment of more courts. Despite being an expensive sport compared to pickleball, requiring significant infrastructure investment, entrepreneurs like Ronak Daftary of PadelPark are finding innovative ways to grow the sport. PadelPark sells 10-15 courts monthly, with each court costing between Rs 20 and 25 lakh. With courts priced at Rs 2,000 per hour, Daftary believes the investment can be recovered within 18-24 months.
Future Prospects and Challenges
For padel to thrive in India, official recognition by the Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) is crucial. This would provide access to government subsidies and simplify real estate issues. The federation is working towards this recognition, which is expected by the end of this year or early next year. Additionally, making padel equipment more affordable and developing strong coaching programs at the grassroots level are essential for the sport’s growth.
Activewear for Padel and Pickleball Enthusiasts
As padel and pickleball gain popularity in India, the demand for activewear is also rising. Activewear brands are now targeting padel and pickleball players, offering comfortable and functional gear. For those looking to upgrade their activewear, brands like Alfit Activewear provide a range of options tailored for these sports. With a focus on quality and comfort, Alfit Activewear ensures that players can perform their best while looking stylish on the court. Activewear for men in India is evolving to meet the needs of these growing sports, combining functionality with fashion.
Understanding the Differences and Equipment Needs
Are Padel and Pickleball the Same?
No, padel and pickleball are distinct sports. Padel is a mix of squash and tennis, played on an enclosed court with walls, and features underarm serves. Pickleball, on the other hand, combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball and paddles. While both sports are gaining popularity, they differ significantly in terms of equipment, court design, and play style.
Are Padel Balls the Same as Tennis Balls?
Padel balls are similar to tennis balls but with slight differences. They are slightly smaller and have less pressure, which makes them bounce lower than tennis balls. This design suits the enclosed nature of padel courts and the sport's unique play style. Using tennis balls for padel is not recommended as they do not provide the optimal bounce required for the game.
Can Padel Shoes Be Used for Tennis?
While padel shoes and tennis shoes share similarities, they are designed for different surfaces and playing styles. Padel shoes offer better grip and stability for quick lateral movements on artificial turf or sand-filled courts. Tennis shoes, however, are tailored for different types of tennis courts, such as hard, clay, or grass courts. Using padel shoes for tennis might not provide the best performance or comfort, especially on hard tennis courts.
How Is Padel Played?
Padel is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court measuring 20x10 meters. The game starts with an underarm serve and follows a tennis-like scoring system, excluding the golden point. Players can use the walls surrounding the court to return the ball, adding an extra strategic dimension to the game. The sport emphasizes teamwork, quick reflexes, and tactical play, making it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels.
Conclusion
Padel's journey in India is just beginning, but with dedicated enthusiasts and strategic investments, it has the potential to become a major sport in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the sport, now is the perfect time to get involved and experience the excitement of padel. With the right infrastructure, affordable equipment, and strong grassroots coaching programs, padel can become a widely played and loved sport in India.
Explore the world of padel and pickleball with the right activewear from Alfit Activewear. Embrace the new wave of sports in India and gear up for a healthy, active lifestyle.