Padel, a sport that has been gaining popularity worldwide, is now setting its sights on the grand stage of the Olympics. According to Adrian Lee, the head of the Hong Kong, China Padel Association (HKCPA), there is a strong push for padel to be included in the 2032 Brisbane Games. Lee believes that the sport is on the right trajectory to meet the requirements for Olympic inclusion, although there is still significant work to be done.
Padel, often described as a mix between tennis and squash, has yet to reach elite popularity in Hong Kong. However, Lee is optimistic about its future, noting that the sport ticks many of the boxes needed for an Olympic event. The International Padel Federation has earmarked the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane as a potential debut for the sport.
To further bolster its case, Hong Kong is sending a team of 10 athletes to compete in the inaugural Asia Pacific Padel Cup. This event will see teams from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines vying for the top spot. The competition is expected to showcase the growing talent and enthusiasm for padel in the region.
Lee emphasized the need for centralized governance and a unified mission to achieve Olympic qualification. He expressed confidence that with enough nations and players involved, padel could soon become a reality at the Olympics. The sport’s inclusion would not only elevate its status but also inspire a new generation of athletes worldwide.
