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الجزيرة الرياضية
Mexico-born paddle athlete's journey to Olympics
Padel sport evolved from a simple idea on the coast of Acapulco in 1969 to become a global game, with an estimated 38 million players across 178 countries by 2026. It started on a small enclosed court surrounded by walls, quickly spreading to Spain and Argentina before developing technically and professionally through the creation of glass courts and the establishment of international federations and tournaments, including the "Premier Padel" tour, now owned by Qatar. The game relies on indoor courts with walls that allow the ball to rebound, and competitions are typically played in doubles. Its rules and playing style resemble tennis but require precise reading of the ball’s rebound and communication with the partner. Significant progress has been made, with Spain and Argentina leading worldwide, and the sport’s popularity expanding in Africa and the Gulf region. It has produced global stars and is now a candidate for inclusion in the Olympic Games, after appearing in the European and Asian Games, though it has not yet been officially included in the Olympic program. The current challenge is transforming this widespread interest into a sustainable competitive depth that ensures stable governance and boosts the sport’s economy, all in pursuit of the dream of Olympic participation.
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