Padel continues its integration into the Olympic movement. After a notable first appearance in 2023, the sport will be back again medal-winning sport during 2027 European Games, organized in Istanbul (Turkey) from June 16 to 27. A decision made official by the European Olympic Committees (EOC) and the organizing committee, which confirms the rise of padel on the international scene.
A strategic confirmation for padel
Already present at the European Games Krakow 2023 Padel had made a lasting impression due to its popular and sporting success. Its renewal for the 2027 edition constitutes a key step in the international development of padel with a clear objective in mind: to one day be included in the Olympic Games program.
This decision is part of a broader trend, with the inclusion of padel also announced at the Asian Games 2026 (Nagoya) and 2026 Mediterranean Games (Taranto) Sport thus confirms its status as a rapidly expanding discipline worldwide.
Istanbul 2027: a major event for European padel
The 2027 European Games will bring together 26 sporting disciplines and athletes from 49 countries In this context, the presence of padel demonstrates its ability to meet the demands of major multi-sport competitions, both in terms of sport and society.
The integration of padel is based in particular on its values:
accessibility , social dimension , and dynamic show These are all advantages that appeal to an ever-growing audience across Europe.
Krakow 2023, a foundational success
The starting point for this recognition dates back to the 2023 edition in Poland. In Krakow, padel benefited from exceptional exposure, with finals played right in the city centre, on the historic market square.
Some key figures:
- 20 000 spectators present
- 23 nations represented
- More than 100 players registered
- Three competitions: men, women and mixed
The European authorities had then described this first as “great success” , or even discipline "copy" , paving the way for a logical renewal in 2027.
Luigi Carraro: “An important step for the entire padel community”
The president of the International Padel Federation, Luigi Carraro welcomed this announcement:
“We are deeply proud of this new milestone. The presence of padel at Istanbul 2027 confirms a steady progression within the Olympic movement. It is a collective achievement.”
He also highlighted the key role of sports institutions and national federations in this continued growth.
Spyros Capralos: “A sport that inspires new generations”
The president of the European Olympic Committees, Spyros Capralos He emphasized the impact of padel:
“After a successful debut in 2023, we are delighted to see padel continue its development within the European Olympic movement. It is a sport that inspires new generations of athletes and fans.”
Istanbul ready to welcome the European elite
For its part, Veli Ozan Çakır The chairman of the Istanbul 2027 organizing committee sees this confirmation as a strong recognition:
“It is extremely gratifying to see padel included in such a prestigious competition. Its accessibility and dynamism make it a sport perfectly suited to the European Games.”
With its rapid growth in Europe and its spectacular format, padel is expected to attract attention once again during this Turkish edition.
One step closer to the Olympic Games
The presence of padel at the 2027 European Games reinforces its positioning as credible candidate for future Olympic integration By gradually establishing itself in major multi-sport events, the discipline continues its structuring and legitimization on an international scale.
The date is now set for Istanbul in 2027, where padel will try to confirm its status as an essential sport in the European sporting landscape.
Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.
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