Mahesh Bhupathi Ignites India's Padel Surge with World Padel League Launch
- Mahesh Bhupathi is leading the rapid growth of padel in India through the World Padel League.
- Padel has a strong global presence with four major tournaments and is gaining popularity among Indian tennis players and fans.
- The upcoming WPL season in Mumbai (Aug 12–16) expands to six teams and 36 top international players, boosting the sport’s profile and career opportunities in India.
Mahesh Bhupathi, the iconic Indian tennis star and 12-time Grand Slam doubles champion, is now spearheading the growth of another rapidly emerging racket sport in India padel. Recognizing the sport’s vast potential, Bhupathi is playing a pivotal role in bringing the World Padel League (WPL) to Indian soil, aiming to accelerate its popularity and development.
“Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Over the last couple of years, there’s been exponential growth, with many tennis players taking it up as a secondary option. But I believe we’re still at ground zero, and there’s plenty of scope for growth", Bhupathi told IANS. His vision is clear: to nurture and fast-track padel’s rise in India by leveraging the WPL as a major catalyst.
Bhupathi’s efforts go beyond just hosting a marquee tournament. “One of our main goals is to be part of that journey and help it move faster. We are also working closely with the Federation to organise other ancillary events around it”, he said. The sport’s potential, according to him, will become evident in the next 5 to 10 years.
Though padel is relatively new to the Indian audience, it already boasts a well-established global presence with four major tournaments Qatar Major, Italy Premier Padel Major, Paris Premier Padel Major, and Mexico Premier Padel Major. “Just like tennis, it has a full tour and the players are becoming increasingly popular”, Bhupathi noted. For Indian fans, the World Padel League offers a rare opportunity to witness top-tier international talent up close.
Beyond players, Bhupathi sees padel creating new career avenues for coaches and sports professionals. “In any sport, if you want to make a career out of it, you need to start young and put in the hard work. Most tennis coaches are former players, and the same will happen with padel; you need to play the sport at a certain level to coach it well”, he explained. Currently, many tennis coaches in India are also coaching padel and pickleball, signaling a growing ecosystem around these sports.
The third season of the World Padel League is set to take place at Mumbai’s Nesco from August 12 to 16. Following the tremendous success of the second season, the league will expand to include six teams and 36 world-class players, making the competition even more exciting and intense.
With Bhupathi’s vision and commitment, padel’s journey in India is poised for a promising future, promising a new era for racket sports enthusiasts across the nation.
