Pune: Padel, a fast-growing racquet sport, is set to gain significant traction in India thanks to a new wave of investment in PadelPark India.
The funding round, led by Parth Jindal, through JSW Sports and the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), aims to establish a robust infrastructure and community for the sport across the country.
Padel, which originated in Mexico and has become particularly popular in Europe, has been expanding rapidly worldwide. The number of Padel courts globally has quintupled in the past eight years, from 10,000 in 2016 to over 50,000 in 2024, with projections indicating continued growth.
The sport's global industry is currently valued at over $2.2 billion, with more than 25 million players in 110 countries. By 2026, this market is expected to grow to $6.6 billion.
India, with its large population of sports enthusiasts, presents a significant opportunity for Padel. Jindal’s investment in PadelPark India is not just about infrastructure but about nurturing a complete ecosystem—from training coaches and players to organizing tournaments.
His vision aligns with transforming India into a sporting powerhouse, with Padel being seen as a sport with the potential to make an Olympic debut in the future.
"PadelPark is laying the groundwork for Padel in India by developing infrastructure, launching educational programs for coaches and players, and building a strong tournament framework," said Parth Jindal.
"The founders’ dedication to expanding access to the sport through innovation and community engagement mirrors our goal of elevating India’s status as a sporting nation. Padel is on the path to becoming an Olympic sport, and I am eager to collaborate with the PadelPark team to make it a household name in India."
PadelPark India, headquartered in Mumbai, has been self-funded since its inception in 2020. The company has established itself as a leader in the Indian Padel scene, partnering with Sky Padel, a prominent Spanish organization, to develop Padel infrastructure across India and Asia.
The Indian Padel Academy, operated by PadelPark, offers training programs from grassroots to advanced levels, giving Indian players a chance to compete internationally.
Under the leadership of co-founders Ronak Daftary, Jigar Doshi, Nikhil Sachdev, and Pratik Doshi, PadelPark has constructed 22 Padel courts for high-profile clients, including sports clubs, hotels, and corporate entities like the Willingdon Sports Club, NSCI Club, and Marriott Suites.
With 11 operational courts in Mumbai and plans to establish 100 Padel clubs across India, the company is on a fast track to making Padel accessible to more players.
The new investment will be used to expand PadelPark's infrastructure, enhance its training academy, and support large-scale events. The company plans to build 40 additional Padel courts within the next three months and open 15 new Padel centers in the next 60 days. Additionally, they aim to train 250 people starting next month.
PadelPark India is also set to host the largest Padel tournament in the country on August 23rd, featuring 90 teams and major sponsors, underscoring its commitment to popularizing the sport in India.
This investment marks a pivotal moment for Padel in India, with PadelPark India leading the charge in transforming the sport from a niche pastime into a nationwide phenomenon.
