Present at the European Games in Krakow a few weeks ago, le padel is destined to one day become an Olympic sport. But when ?

In its report, the firm Monitor Deloitte affirms that it should not be before the Brisbane Games in 2032. Officially celebrated for the first time in 1896 with 14 countries and 10 disciplines, the Olympic Games take place every 4 years. Today, they are made up of 41 sports and 59 disciplines (including the winter games) and bring together 204 countries. 

New sports, before being on the program of the Games, must be approved at least 7 years before the Olympic debut by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). To do so, they must meet certain conditions:

  • Have an international regulatory body.
  • The organization in question must comply with the ethical requirements imposed by the IOC
  • Be subject to the obligation and regulations of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency)
  • Do not include motorized equipment
  • Be practiced in at least 75 countries and 4 continents for men and 40 countries spread over 3 continents for women

This last point, especially for the male category, represents the main brake on the participation of padel at the Olympic games. In order to overcome this, the FIP must continue to develop the padel.

The discipline, still young, is now considered one of the fastest growing sports in the world, but it must expand its international presence.

Breakdown of tournaments from padel in the world
Number of tournaments organized in 2022 by country and by circuit

Furthermore, given that to participate in one edition of the Games, a practice must be approved at least 7 years in advance, we already know that the padel will not take part in the Paris 2024 Games or those in Los Angeles in 2028. On the other hand, if the padel expands its international presence beyond the minimum required, we can expect to see it debut as an Olympic sport in Brisbane in 2032 !

thomas jay

After being rocked by tennis for nearly 15 years, I became an absolute fan of its cousin, the padel. For nearly a year now, I've been chasing the little yellow ball with another racquet, but with just as much passion! Based in Lyon, I intend to make you better acquainted with the padel in the region and at the national level.

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