ISLAMABAD
\nAs the sun dips behind the Margalla Hills and floodlights flicker on across the courts of the Padel Pit in Sector E-11, Islamabad, the rhythmic thud of ball against glass echoes across the summer air, marking the rise of a new sporting wave in Pakistan.
\nThe fledgling sport of padel tennis, a dynamic hybrid of tennis and squash, is quietly gaining traction across Pakistan. While cricket continues to reign supreme, padel is rapidly carving out its niche, particularly in urban hubs like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. With purpose-built courts, late-night playing hours and youth increasingly seeking alternatives to screen-heavy lifestyles, the sport is becoming a magnet for both recreational players and emerging athletes.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re seeing growing interest every week,\u201d said Saad Ghayaz, co-owner of Padel Pit. \u201cPeople are realizing that padel is not only fun but also accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. It\u2019s fast-paced, social and perfect for this generation.\u201d
\nOsama, co-owner of another club, Padel Deck at G.T Road near DHA 2 Islamabad added: \u201cThe beauty of padel is how quickly you can pick it up, and yet it\u2019s deep enough to keep you hooked. Whether it\u2019s school students or professionals, we\u2019re seeing people flood in from all age groups.\u201d
\nAmong the sport\u2019s rising stars in the capital are national tennis players Huzaima Abdul Rehman and Rafay Aimal, who have swiftly made a mark on Pakistan\u2019s padel scene. Both regularly train at Padel Deck.
\nHuzaima, crowned Player of the Tournament in the recent PADEL IN Open (Men A Category), is one of the brightest prospects.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s not just a sport. It\u2019s a mindset,\u201d he said. \u201cPadel teaches you to think on your feet, adapt quickly, and stay mentally sharp.\u201d
\n\u201cThe environment at Padel Deck has played a key role in my development. I\u2019ve had the chance to train with skilled players, improve my strategy, and stay consistent with my fitness.\u201d
\n\u201cFor me, it\u2019s more than competing; it\u2019s about building a strong mental and emotional framework through sport.\u201d
\nBeyond the capital, Lahore is also experiencing a padel awakening. Abid and Abdullah, both experienced tennis players, are now among the driving forces behind padel\u2019s local growth.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s fast, exciting and tests your reflexes in a different way. More importantly, it brings people together in a very interactive settin,\u201d he remarked.
\nAbid, who also works as a coach in Lahore, is particularly focused on building harmony between the two sports.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re trying to create a healthy balance between padel and tennis,\u201d he noted. \u201cThey complement each other \u2014 tennis gives you foundational skills, while padel sharpens your agility and teamwork.\u201d
\n\u201cWe\u2019ve already seen several tennis players make the shift to padel or incorporate both into their routines. This crossover is crucial for growing a versatile athlete base in Pakistan.\u201d
\nThe sport\u2019s formal structure is also taking shape, thanks to the efforts of Mudassar Arain, the Chief Executive Officer spearheading the Pakistan Padel Federation.
\n\u201cIn October last year, we received affiliation from the International Padel Federation, and we\u2019re also linked with the Asian Padel Federation,\u201d Mudassar shared. \u201cRecognition by the Pakistan Sports Board is in its final stages as about 90% of the process is complete,\u201d he claimed.
\nAccording to him, several players, including Aziz Khan from Peshawar, have already begun competing internationally. \u201cThese early breakthroughs show that we have what it takes to compete on the global stage.\u201d
\nMudassar also highlighted the explosive domestic growth. \u201cWe now have over 100 clubs in Lahore, more than 60 in Karachi, and a similar number operating across the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve begun a national registration process to streamline player databases and enhance our club network.\u201d
\nWith such exponential expansion, the infrastructure is quickly catching up to the sport\u2019s enthusiasm. Lights stay on well past midnight at clubs like Padel Pit and the facility at DHA with matches often stretching till 3:00 am or even 4:00 am. This flexible timing allows students and professionals alike to participate after work or school, offering a wholesome alternative to screen time and sedentary habits.
\nThis point is emphasized by psychologist Fozia Kamran, who sees a deeper societal benefit behind padel\u2019s growing popularity.
\n\u201cWe are seeing an increasing number of young people who are sleep-deprived and socially isolated due to excessive screen use,\u201d she said. \u201cSports like padel offer a healthy, social and structured outlet.\u201d
\n\u201cBeyond fitness, it improves mood, focus and social engagement. It\u2019s not just about movement; it\u2019s about creating a positive routine.\u201d
\nThe international trend is also feeding local ambitions. The International Padel Federation notes a global surge in club construction and player registration, especially in Spain, Sweden, UAE and Argentina. There\u2019s even growing talk of padel being featured in future multi-sport events, including the Olympics.
\nIn Pakistan, the same momentum is palpable. Inter-city leagues, talent hunts, and international exchange programmes are already in the planning phase.
\n\u201cThere\u2019s real momentum here,\u201d Mudassar said.
\n\u201cWith the right structure and community, Pakistan can become a strong contender in the Asian and even global padel circuit,\u201d he maintained.
\nWith every smash, volley and cheer echoing off the padel courts into the summer nights, one thing is certain: Padel in Pakistan is not just a trend \u2014 it\u2019s the next big thing in sports.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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