What’s making padel popular in India in comparison to other racquet sports like tennis, squash and pickleball? | Lifestyle News

Once a niche sport, padel has now entered the mainstream in India, with growing interest from not just celebrities, but everyday fitness enthusiasts too.Actor Dino Morea recently revealed that in his spare time, he often plays padel, alongside tennis. “I play tennis, I play padel,” he said in an interview with Pinkvilla. Actor Sonam Kapoor was also seen playing with a Prada padel racquet—something her husband Anand Ahuja shared in an Instagram story saying, “They say padel is a fashion sport so of course it comes naturally to Sonam Kapoor.”
Sonam Kapoor plays padel (Photo: Anand Ahuja/Instagram Stories)
But it’s not just a celebrity fad. For many Indians, padel has become a preferred way to stay active—offering the intensity of tennis or squash with lower risk of injury.
An easier, more social alternative
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Kabir Malhotra, 32, a management student based in Mumbai, started playing padel six months ago. “I’ve played sports all my life—tennis, squash—but padel felt easier on the body and just as enjoyable,” he said. He picked up the sport through friends after witnessing its popularity during a trip to Spain. Malhotra now plays three times a week, for about two hours each session. “Squash often left me injured. Padel is less intense on the joints, and it’s always played as doubles—so it’s a lot more fun socially,” he said.
Elixir Nahar (Photo: Elixir Nahar)
Elixir Nahar, 30, a marketing professional who started playing a year ago, echoed similar thoughts. “It’s fast-paced, skill-based, social, and community-driven,” she said. Based in Mumbai, she plays at courts in Hill Road and Khar but also makes time for games while travelling to Bangalore or Goa. “Plans are made around the week’s padel games,” she said. “It’s a big part of my life now.” She’s taken part in two tournaments and even organises padel mixers as part of her work. While it hasn’t replaced her gym or strength training routine, padel is now her go-to cardio. “So, it’s quite apparent that I’m a big fan,” said Elixir.
Tishya Sagar, 26, who moved to padel after trying tennis and squash briefly, said the sport’s accessibility kept her hooked. “It’s easy for beginners and still allows you to improve. I sometimes play five to six times a week,” she said, noting that it complements her weight training and hybrid workouts. “I try to keep equal focus on all three. I make sure to do strength training alongside padel and maintain a balance,” said Tishya.
Tishya Sagar (Photo: Tishya Sagar)
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“Padel is often described as a mix between tennis and squash,” said Victor Perez, a coach with over 20 years of experience. “It’s a racquet sport played with solid bats on a walled court, using old-school tennis techniques.”
According to Perez, padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world. “In some Spanish cities, it’s even more popular than football. In the UAE, it’s the most practiced sport. Imagine padel overtaking cricket in India—it may sound far-fetched, but in several countries, similar shifts have already happened,” Perez, CEO Victor Perez Padel, sport director and padel consultant for Padel Academies in Spain, UK, India and Uzbekan, told .
So, what sets it apart from pickleball and other racquet sports?
“Pickleball is fun and casual, but played on an open court with no walls and a plastic ball, which limits dynamic play,” Perez said. “Padel, on the other hand, is played on a 20m x 10m enclosed court with walls and mesh that are part of the game. It offers longer rallies and more strategy. The solid, stringless racquet gives better control, and the ball’s higher bounce makes it more tactical,” he said.
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Dr Satyanarayana E, consultant, joint replacement and arthroscopy surgeon, Gleneagles Aware Hospital, L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad, called the growing popularity of racquet sports like padel and pickleball “a welcome trend,” particularly among those seeking low-impact yet effective ways to stay active. “Padel, in particular, offers a blend of aerobic and anaerobic exercise that supports cardiovascular health, improves coordination, and strengthens muscles, all while being relatively gentle on the joints,” said Dr Satyanarayana.
Take a look at the padel court (Photo: PadelPark)
Unlike the traditional sports like badminton, tennis, squash, they require high-impact, fast-paced movements. Padel and pickleball offer a more joint-friendly alternative without compromising on excitement or engagement, said Dr Richa Kulkarni, international sports physiotherap, Dr Richa’s KINESIS Sports Rehab and Physiotherapy Clinic.
Compared to traditional racquet sports like tennis or squash, Dr Satyanarayana said padel typically involves shorter court dances and less aggressive movements, making it easier on the knees, hips, and shoulders.
“The enclosed court and slower ball pace reduce the risk of sudden directional changes and high-impact stress, which are common causes of injury in more intense racquet sports,” the doctor said.Story continues below this ad
According to Dr Kulkarni, the smaller court, slower ball speed, and underhand serve in padel reduce strain on the shoulders, knees, and lower back, making it accessible for beginners, older adults, and even those recovering from injuries. “Padel and pickleball emphasises control, reflexes and positioning making it both fun and sustainable. In today’s sedentary lifestyle, finding a sustainable and enjoyable way to stay active is crucial – Padel checks all the boxes. Playing regularly not only improves cardiovascular health but also nurtures mental well-being through the joy of play with the community. Ultimately, padel isn’t just easier – it is smart for long-term movement and enjoyment,” said Dr Kulkarni.
That said, no sport is entirely risk-free. “Proper warm-up, hydration, and technique are essential. But overall, padel provides an excellent balance between fun, fitness, and safety, especially for adults looking to stay active without overburdening their bodies,” he said.
The beginnings of padel in India
Padel began gaining traction in India around 2016, with the country’s first court established in 2017 at Padel Club India, Bengaluru. Since then, it has spread to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. Organisations such as PadelPark India and JSW (Jindal South West) have contributed to its growth.
“Now cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad are also seeing new courts and clubs,” said Perez. “This expansion is creating a local player base, which is vital for the sport’s future in India.”
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Perez feels “India is more than ready”. “With a focus on professional coaching and long-term planning, India is set to become a major hub for padel in Asia. In the coming years, we’ll likely see India hosting important international tournaments, producing top-tier players, and developing a strong community around the sport. The growth of padel here will not only enhance the sport’s visibility globally but also position India as a key player in the world of padel,” he said.

What does it cost?
The rates for a padel session in India can vary depending on the location, facility, and coach’s experience. However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
Court rental fee
Public/Community Clubs: Rs 800-1500Private clubs: Rs 1,500-3,500
Coaching fee
Group coaching: Rs 300-700/hour per playerPrivate coaching: Rs 1,500-3,000 per hourStory continues below this ad
Padel court size is 20m x 10m (Photo: PadelPark)
Is it only for the affluent?
Not anymore, said Perez. “Padel in India is growing into a sport for all. New courts are being built with accessibility in mind, and programmes involving schools, universities, and local clubs are expanding the community. Affordable coaching and equipment options are becoming available, making padel more inclusive across age and income groups,” he said.