DECATHLON, the global sports retail giant, has set its sights on significantly expanding its presence in the Indian padel market. With an ambitious plan to grow its padel business by over 300% and capture 75% of the market share by 2026, DECATHLON is poised to revolutionize the sport’s landscape in India.
Padel, a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has been gaining popularity in India due to its simplicity and accessibility. Unlike other racquet sports, padel is less physically demanding, making it appealing to a wide range of players, from beginners to seasoned athletes. This growing interest has prompted DECATHLON to ramp up its efforts to make high-quality, affordable padel equipment and facilities available across the country.
To achieve this goal, DECATHLON plans to invest heavily in the development of padel infrastructure. Major cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad are expected to see a significant increase in the number of padel courts, with projections indicating over 200 courts nationwide by the end of 2024. This expansion will not only cater to the existing demand but also encourage more people to take up the sport.
DECATHLON’s commitment to supporting padel in India is further demonstrated by the opening of its first padel court in North Bengaluru. This state-of-the-art facility offers high-quality playing spaces and excellent amenities, aimed at increasing the sport’s accessibility to a broader audience. Additionally, DECATHLON’s retail outlets in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Gujarat currently offer a range of padel rackets, with plans to expand their product line to include specialized rackets for children and women, as well as professional-grade equipment.
Chitransh Srivastava, Racket Sports Leader at DECATHLON India, emphasized the company’s dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering community connections through sport. “Padel’s rapid growth in India highlights the nation’s passion for racquet sports and the rising interest in new team challenges. At DECATHLON, we are committed to inspiring movement through sport and making padel accessible to everyone,” he said.
With a strong tradition of racquet sports and the success of tennis in the country, India is well-positioned to become a significant hub for padel. Currently, there are approximately 27 million racket sports players in India, many of whom are increasingly exploring padel as a recreational activity. This trend underscores the sport’s vast potential and its promising future in the Indian sports market.
DECATHLON’s strategic expansion and investment in padel infrastructure are set to play a crucial role in the sport’s development in India. By providing high-quality, affordable equipment and access to world-class facilities, DECATHLON aims to lead the way in making padel a mainstay in the Indian sports landscape.
