Will padel be an Olympic sport in 2032? - Here is the missing requirement

Padel enthusiasts and professionals have been hoping to see the sport in the Olympics. While it is clear that one of the world's fastest-growing sports won't be featured in Los Angeles 2028, there is still hope for its inclusion in Brisbane 2032. However, a significant criterion must be met.

Despite the growing popularity of padel, it will not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The focus now shifts to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. For padel to become an Olympic sport, it must meet several criteria, including:

1. International Rulebook/Organization: The sport must have an international rulebook and governing organization.
2. Compliance with IOC Rules: The international organization must adhere to the rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
3. WADA Compliance: The sport must follow and implement the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) system.
4. No Use of Motors/Machines: The sport should not involve the use of motors or machines.

Padel meets all these criteria. However, there is one requirement it currently does not fulfill: the sport must be practiced in 75 countries across four continents for men, and in 40 countries across three continents for women.

Decision by 2025

The International Padel Federation (FIP) does not currently meet this requirement, especially on the men's side. However, there is an ambition to further expand the sport to meet this criterion.

For padel to be included in the 2032 Olympics, the sport must be approved and meet all requirements seven years before the event. This means that the decision on padel's inclusion in the Brisbane Olympics will be made by 2025.