For a while now, padel has been the sport in vogue. The number of followers and practitioners is rising, and the rise is astounding. To be present in the Olympic Games is the one unambiguous goal that remains to be accomplished, nevertheless. our is the greatest obstacle our sport faces.
The Premier Padel calendar was introduced by the International Padel Federation, who made it apparent that they understood this. The professional circuit’s globalization, which has drawn criticism from some quarters, is another means of extending this discipline to as many nations as possible and advancing the practice toward participation in the world’s most significant athletic event.
The Olympic torch
One of Premier Padel’s well-known faces and a major proponent of making it happen is Nasser Al-Khelaifi. The fact that he is shown with the Olympic torch simply serves to highlight the efforts being done in order to get to Brisbane 2032. Los Angeles in 2028 is still improbable.
To expedite the process, Al-Khelaifi and Luigi Carraro, the FIP president, will meet with representatives of the International Olympic Committee.
Padel’s aspirations to reach the Olympic dream ⭐️
A proud moment for @premierpadel as Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi carried the #Paris2024 Olympic Torch in Vigneux, Paris yesterday. #PremierPadel #PadelFIP #Olympics @padelfip pic.twitter.com/OvzwRX1QdM
— Premier Padel (@premierpadel) July 23, 2024
How to become an Olympic sport
Ther are many conditions to become an Olympic sport. While other sports, like indoor football, have long struggled to find success, the rise of padel tennis inspires hope. Still, passing the IOC filter is a lengthy procedure that needs a strong foundation.
With its own Federation, not being a motorized sport, and being governed by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency), it satisfies three of the four criteria. The final prerequisite, being present in multiple countries, is presently unattainable. At least four continents must have 75 registered Federations. As of right now, the website lists 71 locations across five continents. However, federations representing women must also be mentioned. This goal is being pursued by the FIP, and it appears that it is coming closer.
The other option is to participate as a guest sport, which is something that surfing and breakdancing have done in the past. The issue is that Brisbane does not appear to be the ideal location for it, and Los Angeles already has one. The disciplines that are typically chosen by the organizers are those that are comparable to it, although padel is not particularly popular in Australia.
