Padel Echoes Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Laying the Foundation for a New Sports Culture
Padel Echoes Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Laying the Foundation for a New Sports Culture
By Ghani Ur Rehman ; Sport is not merely about running on fields, hitting balls, or scoring points; it is a reflection of a society’s mindset, priorities, and dreams for the future. When a new sport takes root in a region, it goes beyond competition—it opens new pathways for youth, promotes healthy lifestyles,
and connects local communities with the global sporting world. One such modern and fast-growing sport is Padel, which has gained remarkable popularity worldwide and is now steadily making its way into Pakistan, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Padel is counted among the fastest-expanding sports globally. It was first introduced in 1969 in Mexico by Enrique Corcuera, who, due to limited space, created a unique blend of tennis and squash. The sport later found its way to Spain, where it gained extraordinary popularity and international recognition. Today, Spain stands as the global hub of padel, playing a pivotal role in its worldwide promotion.
Typically played by four players on a walled court, padel emphasizes strategy, balance, and quick reflexes rather than sheer power. This accessibility has made it appealing to people of all ages, allowing beginners to learn the game in a relatively short time. Its adaptability to urban environments with limited space further adds to its growing appeal.
At the international level, padel is governed by the International Padel Federation (FIP). The World Padel Championships have been hosted in several countries, including Spain, Italy, Qatar, and various European nations. Spain has emerged as the most dominant force in both men’s and women’s categories, while Argentina is widely recognized as a strong and consistent competitor.
In Asia, padel is still in its developmental phase; however, countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Saudi Arabia have already hosted Asian and international-level tournaments. Qatar, in particular, has played a leading role in promoting padel by hosting major global events and investing heavily in infrastructure.
The Emergence of Padel in Pakistan
In Pakistan, padel is a relatively new but rapidly emerging sport. Initially confined to a few private sports clubs in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, the sport has gradually expanded due to global trends and increasing interest among urban youth. One of padel’s key advantages for Pakistan is its suitability for densely populated cities, where space constraints often limit the development of traditional sports facilities.
When discussing the promotion of padel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the name Sarfraz Khan stands out prominently. Fully aware of the sport’s global significance and future potential, he has taken practical steps to introduce padel at the grassroots level in the province.
Sarfraz Khan has conducted surveys of various locations in Peshawar to establish standard padel courts, aiming to provide modern and quality facilities for young athletes. His vision extends beyond merely introducing a new sport; it focuses on connecting the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with international sports culture, encouraging healthy activities, and creating opportunities for national and international representation in the future.
Padel has already secured its place among the world’s modern and rapidly developing sports. With proper planning and institutional support, it has the potential to become a new sporting identity for Pakistan as well. The efforts of individuals like Sarfraz Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa serve as a powerful reminder that with clear vision and dedication, new sports can indeed shape new histories.
