Padel, a racquet sport, is quickly gaining popularity across the country, as a result of its simplicity and ease to play. Leveraging this burgeoning interest for padel in India and to democratize sports for everyone, today, DECATHLON is excited to announce its commitment to foster India’s passion for Padel, with an aim to grow its Padel business by over 300% and capture 75% of the market share in India by 2026. This aggressive expansion strategy will ensure that Padel enthusiasts have access to the high-quality, affordable Padel equipment and facilities, thereby fostering the sport’s growth at both grassroots and competitive levels.
In India, according to reports, Padel currently has over 1,800 registered players. The sport’s ease of play and lower physical demand compared to other racquet sports such as tennis and squash, makes it an attractive option for a diverse range of players across age groups. According to the Indian Padel Federation, Padel is set to flourish in India over the next two years. By the end of 2024, cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad will boast around 30-40 courts each, totalling over 200 courts across these cities. This rapid growth is a testament to the sport’s increasing popularity and the demand for high-quality playing facilities.
DECATHLON’s efforts to bolster Padel in India are exemplified by its first Padel court in North Bengaluru, offering high-quality playing spaces along with excellent amenities. This is aimed at increasing the availability of Padel courts across the country, making the sport more accessible to a larger audience. The brand offers a varied range of Padel rackets available at stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Gujarat, with plans to expand from 12 rackets in 2024 to 28 in 2025, including special offers for kids and women. From lightweight rackets with a bigger sweet spot to those with high modulus carbon reinforcements for better power and acceleration, there’s a racket for every Padel enthusiast. Additionally, the racket used by Padel star Maxi Sánchez is now available in Decathlon’s catalogue, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to play with professional-grade equipment.
“Padel’s rapid growth in India is a testament to the nation’s love for racquet sports and the rising interest towards new team challenges. At Decathlon, we are dedicated to inspiring movement through the wonders of sport, fostering community connections, and promoting healthy lifestyles. By offering high-quality, affordable equipment and access to world-class facilities, we aim to support the development of Padel and make it accessible to everyone. Our goal is to spearhead this exciting journey, enabling Padel to become a mainstay in the Indian sports landscape,” said Chitransh Srivastava, Racket Sports Leader, DECATHLON India.
With the rich enthusiasm for racquet sports and the success of tennis in the country, India is poised to become a significant hub for Padel. Currently, there are approximately 27 million racket sports players in India, many of whom are increasingly engaging in Padel recreationally. This trend underscores the sport’s vast potential and promising future in the nation.
