Thomas Bach, President of International Olympic Committee, made an impression during his visit to the Foro Italico in Rome, on the occasion of BNL Italy Major Premier Padel. Hosted by Luigi Carraro, president of the International Federation of Padel (FIP), he praised the spectacular development of this rapidly expanding sport.

A sport that shines internationally

As soon as he got out of the official car, the IOC President displayed a broad smile. A warm attitude that testifies to the sincere interest he has in sport in general, and in paddle in particular. While walking the aisles of the Roman tournament alongside Luigi Carraro, Thomas Bach noted the enthusiasm of the public and the growing fervor around this discipline.

"I see people playing padel all over the world, the courts are multiplying," he reportedly told Carraro. A remark that illustrates the dimension now world padel, recognized for its accessibility and character social and inclusive.

Immersion in the heart of the tournament

On the central court, Thomas Bach interacted with the young fans, taking the time to sign balls and chat with them about padel… but also football. A friendly approach that won over the stands, before he joined the players' area to meet some of the big names on the professional circuit: Juan Lebrón, Arturo Coello, Coki Nieto, Mike Yanguas, or Agu Tapia et Paquito Navarro.

A highlight preceded the highly anticipated match between Sanchez/Josemaría et Alonso/Ortega, when Thomas Bach shared a few words with the players about to enter the field, then sat down in the stands alongside Luigi Carraro to follow part of the match, captivated by the intensity of the play and the technical quality of the athletes.

Paquito Navarro's wink

Among the most significant moments, Paquito Navarro surprised Thomas Bach with special attention: the Spaniard offered him the official tournament racket, identical to the one he uses. In a relaxed atmosphere, Paquito even replayed his famous “guitar shot”, miming a guitar riff with his pala. Amused, the IOC president played along under the amused gaze of the members of his delegation, sporting the famous five Olympic rings on their white polo shirts.

Padel on the verge of the Olympic Games?

This very symbolic visit reinforces the hopes of the padel community: to one day see this sport integrate the Olympic programThe support shown by Thomas Bach, his interest in the values ​​of padel and his closeness to the players only reinforce this perspective.

Franck Binisti

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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