The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has granted official recognition to the International Padel Federation (FIP) and Padel Asia. This decision confirms that Padel will become an official sport in upcoming editions of the Asian Games. The approval was issued during the OCA Executive Board meeting on 6 November, where the board voted unanimously. The Executive Board is the main decision-making body for major policy and program matters.

FIP stated that this recognition strengthens its partnership with Padel Asia and supports the expansion of Padel across Asia and globally. The organisation views this step as a continuation of its involvement in the European Games 2023, the South American Games 2022, and the upcoming Mediterranean Games 2026. This milestone is considered a strategic advance toward potential Olympic inclusion.

During the FIP World Cup Pairs event in Kuwait, FIP President Luigi Carraro reported that he met Hon. Dr. Husain A. H. Z. Al-Musallam, OCA Director General and Technical Director, at OCA Headquarters in Kuwait City. They discussed long-term cooperation and the development agenda between both organisations. FIP described the meeting as additional support for its growth initiatives.

FIP emphasized that this progress belongs to all federations, athletes, and partners involved in the sport’s development. The organisation affirmed its commitment to serving its nearly one hundred national member federations. It also reiterated its focus on developing men’s, women’s, youth, amateur, and professional Padel across all five continents.

The federation expressed appreciation for the community’s continued support during this new phase in the sport’s evolution. FIP considers OCA’s decision an important momentum boost for Padel’s international presence. With this recognition, the federation hopes the path toward Olympic inclusion will become more attainable. (*)