WHY PADEL IS THE NEXT BIG THING AFTER PICKLEBALL
- Opulent Sports
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 3
The Fastest-Growing Racket Sport Taking the World by Storm
Just when you thought pickleball had the paddle game crown firmly in its grip, Padel has stepped onto the court and it's making serious noise.
From glitzy courts in Dubai to rooftop arenas in Spain, Padel is turning into a global obsession. And India? Well, we’re not far behind.
So, what’s this new racket (pun intended) all about?
What is Padel?
Padel is a dynamic mix of tennis and squash, typically played in doubles on an enclosed court a third the size of a tennis court. It uses solid, stringless rackets and a slightly depressurised tennis ball.
The result? Faster rallies, more laughter, and less strain on your knees. Yes, please.
Why is Padel Suddenly Everywhere?
Here’s the scoop:
It’s social: Like pickleball, padel is built for banter, bonding, and beginner-friendly fun. Anyone can pick it up, even your dad with the dodgy back.
It’s celeb-endorsed: Football legend Lionel Messi, tennis great Rafael Nadal, and even Indian cricketer Virat Kohli have expressed interest or invested in padel courts.
It’s growing fast: According to the International Padel Federation (FIP), there are over 25 million padel players globally, across more than 90 countries and growing.
It’s infrastructure-friendly: A padel court takes up just a fraction of a tennis court and can be installed on rooftops, backyards, clubs, hotels, and even indoor arenas. Low maintenance, high action.
India’s time is coming: Clubs across cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad are already adding padel courts. At Opulent Sports, we’ve seen a spike in queries from schools, gyms, resorts, and urban clubs wanting to build padel setups.
Pickleball vs. Padel: Is it a Rivalry?
Not really.
If pickleball is your starter sport, padel might just be the gateway to glory. It’s slightly more intense, more strategic, and visually more dynamic with its glass walls and fast-paced rallies.
Together, they make racket sports more inclusive, accessible, and cooler than ever before.
Fun Facts On Padel’s Rise

Spain is the epicentre:
Padel is now Spain’s second most played sport after football!
WPT:
The World Padel Tour is drawing global TV audiences, millions are watching, not just playing.
Fitness meets fun:
A typical padel match burns around 600 calories per hour. That’s your cardio done, while still laughing through every shot.
Why Opulent Sports is Betting Big on Padel
At Opulent Sports, we don’t just follow trends, we build them.
We’ve already delivered cutting-edge pickleball setups, and padel is next. Our team is ready with international-standard flooring, fencing, and lighting- turnkey padel arenas, from layout to lighting.
Because when the world plays differently, India should lead the game—not follow.
Ready to padel up?
Contact Us: +91 7210072915
Mail Us: opulentsportsindia@gmail.com



