Padel enters the European Games — a first step towards the Olympics

Padel takes the first small step towards becoming an Olympic sport. It has been announced that padel will be part of the European Games – a multi-sport event involving athletes from across Europe.

Taking place in Krakow, Poland, in 2023, the European Games will be the first time padel has taken part in a multi-sport championship.

— This is a historical moment for the International Padel Federation, our member federations, our athletes, and – I am sure – all Padel lovers: girls and boys, women and men who practice our sport with growing passion and enthusiasm. I am sure we will contribute to the success of the European Games, and we look forward to being part of it, said FIP President Luigi Carraro.

64 of the best padel players in Europe will participate and compete in regular women's/men's doubles, but also in mixed doubles.

— We have always seen the European Games as an opportunity for inclusion and innovation. Adding padel 2023 alongside other established Olympic sports is a perfect example of that. I'm sure paddle will contribute to the competition program and attract new audiences," says Hasan Arat of the European Games Coordination Commission.

The European Games is a multi-sport event involving athletes from all over Europe and is held every four years. The Games are designed by the European Olympic Committee (EOC), which also regulates the Games. Padel is the 15th sport to be announced for the event in Poland in 2023.

• Badminton

• Beach handball

• Boxing

• Canoeing

• Cycling

• Karate

• Modern pentathlon

• Muaythai

• Shooting

• Climbing 

• Taekwondo

• Triathlon.

• 3 on 3 basketball 

• Archery

 More sports will become official next week.

Source: eurolympic.org