Padel, the fast-growing racquet sport, will be a medal event at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, marking a major milestone for its global expansion.

THE racquet sport of padel has hailed a major milestone after being confirmed as a medal event for the 2026 Asian Games.

International Padel Federation (FIP) president Luigi Carraro called the inclusion “a significant moment for our sport”.

He said the move reflects padel’s rapid development across Asia and its growing global impact.

The sport, a popular hybrid of tennis and squash, is typically played as doubles within an enclosed court.

It has attracted a celebrity following, with fans including tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and Formula One champion Max Verstappen.

The Olympic Council of Asia also confirmed teqball, which combines football and table tennis, as a new medal sport.

The 2026 Asian Games will be held in Nagoya and Aichi, Japan from September 19 to October 4.

The multi-sport event, held every four years, featured around 12,000 athletes at its last edition in China in 2023.

 The Sun Malaysia