The International Federation of Padel (FIP) expands with the official arrival of eight new member countries: four from Europe, two from Asia, one from Africa and one from South America. This enlargement further strengthens the presence of the padel, which already has 25 million players worldwide, and the FIP, which now represents 71 federations on five continents.

During the General Assembly held recently in Rome, Luigi Carraro, FIP President, welcomed the new federations from Slovakia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Tunisia and Venezuela. The assembly took place in the Hall of Honor of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), where the President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, also addressed his official greetings.

FIP Assembly 2023

“Promesas” tournaments

In his annual report, President Carraro highlighted the rapid growth of the padel on a global scale, both in terms of competition and on an amateur scale. Stressing the importance of the various circuits of the FIP, he notably announced the launch of the 'Promesas' tournaments, intended for the young generation, and which constitute an essential lever for the global expansion of the padel.

Identical prize money

He also recalled that the Cupra Fip Tour now offers identical prize money for men's and women's competitions. This growing circuit, which currently includes more than 120 tournaments in 40 countries, plays a crucial role in promoting the padel on five continents.

Carraro then highlighted the resounding success of the padel at the European Games, where it proved to be the sport most followed by the public. He paid tribute to the spectacle offered on the Main Market Square in Krakow, where more than 14 spectators took turns to watch the finals.

A new “senior” circuit

In addition, the General Assembly announced several innovations, in particular the creation of a new “senior” circuit intended for players over 40, organized into age categories.

Emphasis was placed on the development of the technical and refereeing sectors and on relations with the media, thanks to the new FIP website. According to Carraro, the latter must become a veritable virtual 'club-house' to encourage interaction with the member federations.

Finally, the issue of inclusion was highlighted, with the announcement of a detailed project specifically dedicated to this issue, thus underlining FIP's ongoing commitment to sport that is accessible to all.

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