McDonald’s India, through Westlife Foodworld, has announced a strategic partnership with the Indian Padel Academy (IPA by Game Park Pvt Ltd) to promote padel across the country. The initiative aims to make padel facilities more accessible to young players and foster a culture of inclusion, discipline, and teamwork through sport.
Padel, a fast-growing sport globally, is gaining traction in India for its dynamic blend of energy, strategy, and accessibility. This collaboration reflects McDonald’s broader mission to support community development beyond its restaurants.
Inspiring the next generation through sport
Akshay Jatia, Chief Executive Officer of Westlife Foodworld, emphasized the role of sport in building connections and inspiring youth.
“At McDonald’s India, we have always believed in the power of bringing people together, whether through food, community initiatives or shared experiences. Sport is a natural extension of that belief,” Jatia said. “Through our partnership with the Indian Padel Academy, we hope to inspire young people to dream bigger, play stronger, grow together and someday make India proud at a global platform.”
The initiative will provide access to world-class coaching and facilities, encouraging children to engage with padel from an early age and develop both athletic and personal skills.
Building infrastructure and expanding reach
The collaboration goes beyond local courts, aiming to establish a nationwide padel ecosystem. Nikhil Sachdev, Co-founder and Head of Marketing, Brand Development, and Strategy at Padel Park India, highlighted the ambition behind the project.
“India is ready for the next chapter in padel. This goes beyond the courts, focusing on global partnerships and world-class infrastructure,” Sachdev said. “Our collaboration with McDonald’s India is a major step forward. We aim to enroll students nationwide through school programmes, certified training, and city leagues, and hope to see future world-class padel players emerge from India.”
A legacy of sports support
McDonald’s has a long history of supporting sports, from global events like the Olympics to grassroots campaigns. This partnership with IPA continues that legacy in India, focusing on youth engagement and community growth.
By investing in padel, McDonald’s India reinforces its role as a cultural and social catalyst, helping shape a new generation of athletes and leaders through sport.
