The International Padel Federation (FIP) and Premier Padel have officially designated October 20 as World Padel Day, using the milestone to bolster their formal bid for the sport's inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. This push is supported by the World Padel Report 2026, which highlights the sport's massive growth, gender parity, and logistical flexibility as key arguments for its Olympic debut.
Key Arguments for Padel’s Olympic Inclusion
The FIP’s campaign for Brisbane 2032 is built on several strategic pillars that demonstrate the sport's readiness for the global stage:
- Global Participation and Reach: With an estimated 40 million amateur players across 191 countries and territories, the sport has achieved significant international penetration.
- Gender Balance: The sport boasts a highly inclusive demographic, with women currently representing 47% of all participants.
- Infrastructure and Accessibility: There are now more than 91,000 courts worldwide, supported by a structured competition pathway that ranges from junior development programs (FIP Promises) to the elite Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour.
- Event Flexibility: Padel utilizes modular court technology, which allows for temporary installations in iconic locations—such as the recent Padel Invitational at the Sydney Opera House—reducing the need for permanent, costly infrastructure.
- Economic Impact: According to an OpenEconomics study, the sport is projected to contribute €8.6 billion to the global GDP in 2026 while supporting approximately 236,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
- Proven Multisport Experience: Padel has already been successfully integrated into major international events, including the 2023 European Games and the 2026 South American, Mediterranean, and Asian Games.
- Institutional Recognition: FIP has secured recognition from numerous major sporting bodies, including the Olympic Council of Asia, the European Olympic Committees, and the International University Sports Federation, providing a solid foundation for its Olympic aspirations.
FIP President Luigi Carraro emphasized that the sport’s appeal lies in its ability to provide exciting competition for both men and women while remaining accessible to new audiences. By highlighting the successful Sydney event, the federation demonstrated how padel can transform existing landmarks into vibrant sporting venues, a strategy they believe aligns perfectly with the needs of future Olympic host cities.
