Back in 2017, the Indian Padel Federation (IPF) laid the groundwork by installing the country’s first padel court in Bengaluru. Since then, the sport has quietly gained traction, showing promising signs of nationwide expansion. “We foresee that by the end of 2025, we should be touching around 500 courts in India,” said Ronnie Sehgal, General Secretary of IPF, pointing to rapid infrastructure growth.
Star power and investor confidence push early growth
The enthusiasm of celebrities has made padel far more visible, not only energizing fans but also drawing corporate interest. Sehgal highlighted how public figures helped attract investors and facility owners ready to support the sport with capital, venues, and partnerships for major events. This intersection of pop culture and business has been pivotal in padel’s swift emergence.
Rising engagement across generations and regions
Padel is resonating with players of all ages—from curious schoolchildren to adults seeking new ways to stay active. Sehgal noted that even non-metro cities are seeing demand from schools, residential societies, and corporations. With fewer barriers to entry than tennis and an inclusive spirit, the sport is becoming increasingly attractive to families. Sehgal further emphasized that around 30–40% of new players are women, a strong indicator of balanced participation.
Mumbai takes the lead as India’s padel capital
Although pickleball courts remain more widespread, Mumbai stands out as padel’s biggest urban hub. Sportstech startup Hudle has cataloged about 250 padel courts across India, with more than 100 situated in Mumbai alone. “They’re booked out for the next three to four months,” said Suhail Narain, Hudle’s CEO and Founder. The city is proving to be fertile ground for padel’s popularity.
Smart use of unused urban spaces gives padel room to grow
Padel’s court setup is more complex and expensive than other racquet sports, often requiring imported turf and constructed walls. Yet entrepreneurs are capitalizing on unused urban spaces—rooftops of malls and dormant commercial terraces—to make installations more feasible. Narain added that padel now contributes nearly 20% of Hudle’s total sports revenue, signaling impressive growth in a short span.
The ripple effect beyond metro borders
Once a metro city embraces padel, neighboring Tier-II regions follow suit. Narain explained how Delhi’s growing interest led to court installations in places like Chandigarh and Lucknow, while Mumbai’s popularity sparked setups in Lonavala, Alibaug, and Goa. This domino effect showcases how padel is branching into new geographies.
Entrepreneurs bet on a holistic ecosystem
Creating an enduring sporting culture around padel is the next phase. Startups like PadelPark in Mumbai are working on building a full-service ecosystem—from court construction and coaching to competitive leagues. Co-Founder Nikhil Sachdev emphasized the importance of connecting padel with retail, content, and hospitality experiences to deepen community involvement. Although costlier than pickleball, padel courts yield high returns thanks to premium pricing and steady demand.
India’s padel journey, still in its early chapters, is unfolding rapidly—with infrastructure, community, and commercial interests aligning to shape a promising future.
