The International Padel Federation (FIP) recently convened its 36th General Assembly in Madrid, marking 35 years of the organization with a celebration of global unity and significant structural growth. The event highlighted the addition of 15 new member nations and the unveiling of key strategic initiatives aimed at cementing padel’s position within the global sporting landscape and its long-term Olympic ambitions.
Strategic Initiatives and Organizational Growth
During the assembly, FIP leadership emphasized a commitment to inclusivity and expanded competitive opportunities. The meeting served as a platform to introduce new programs and celebrate the federation's reach, which now spans 115 national federations across five continents. The following strategic initiatives and organizational updates were highlighted as central to the sport's future:
- FIP World League: A newly announced competition structure designed to provide national teams that do not participate in the FIP World Cup with additional opportunities for international match play.
- Para Padel Development: FIP has identified the growth of adaptive padel as a core priority, focusing on making the sport more inclusive and accessible to all athletes.
- World Padel Report 2026: Delegates received an exclusive preview of this upcoming report, which includes the first-ever economic impact analysis of the sport conducted in partnership with OpenEconomics. The full findings are scheduled for release on October 14.
- Global Expansion: The federation officially welcomed 15 new member countries: Afghanistan, Angola, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Colombia, Libya, Mauritius, Namibia, Peru, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uzbekistan, and Zambia.
- Competition Structure Evolution: FIP reviewed its multi-tiered tournament ecosystem, which currently includes the CUPRA FIP Tour (spanning 60 countries), the FIP Promises junior circuit (active in 36 countries), the FIP Beyond amateur tour, and the elite Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour.
The assembly also featured a symbolic signing of a constitution by founding members Spain, Argentina, and Uruguay, alongside Mexico and FIP President Luigi Carraro, to honor the sport's history. Alejandro Blanco, President of the Spanish Olympic Committee, underscored the significance of these developments, noting that padel’s international reach and social impact make it an essential component of the future Olympic movement. With 81,000 spectators at the 2026 Paris Major and increasing participation in continental games, the federation remains focused on its collective goal of Olympic inclusion.
