When the Mediterranean Games kick off in Taranto this August, padel will step onto a stage it has never occupied before. The sport—invented in Acapulco, México, in the late 1960s by Enrique Corcuera—will make its official debut at the multi-sport event, a significant leap for a game that has grown from a coastal pastime into a global phenomenon.
From August 22 to 28, the Parco del Mediterraneo Salinella will host 88 athletes representing 18 national delegations. They will compete across men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles, with medals on the line. The inclusion of padel in the Mediterranean Games is not just a symbolic nod; it’s a strategic step toward the sport’s ultimate goal of Olympic recognition.
Spain and Italy lead a deep field
Spain arrives as the team to beat, with a roster packed with International Padel Federation (FIP) tour regulars. Young standout David Gala headlines the men’s side, while the women’s draw features former world number ones Lucía Sainz and Patty Llaguno. Their experience and pedigree make them immediate favorites.
Host nation Italy will not be intimidated. With world number 31 Carolina Orsi and rising star Giulia Dal Pozzo, the Azzurri have the talent to challenge for gold on home soil. Portugal and France also bring strong contingents, setting up what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament.
“This is a historic moment for padel,” said an FIP spokesperson. “To see it featured in a multi-sport event like the Mediterranean Games shows how far the sport has come.”
Emerging nations expand the sport’s footprint
Beyond the traditional powerhouses, the tournament highlights padel’s growing reach. Egypt and Kosovo are sending eight-player delegations, while Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Cyprus, and Croatia will also field teams. Tunisia’s Dora Chamli, the first African woman to win a match on the Premier Padel circuit, is a name to watch.
The inclusive spirit of the Games is further underscored by a ceremonial exhibition appearance from Athletica Vaticana, the Vatican’s athletic association. It’s a reminder that padel’s appeal transcends borders and even institutions.
For many of these nations, padel is still a developing sport. Their participation in Taranto is a chance to gain invaluable experience against top-tier competition. As the sport continues to grow, events like this serve as a launchpad for the next generation of players.
From Acapulco to the world
Padel’s journey from a Mexican backyard to the Mediterranean Games is a testament to its universal appeal. The sport has exploded in popularity across Latin America, Europe, and beyond, with professional circuits drawing large audiences and lucrative sponsorships. Its inclusion in the Mediterranean Games is a natural progression.
For Latino audiences, this moment carries particular pride. Padel is one of the few sports with roots in Latin America that has achieved global recognition. Its success is a reminder of the region’s contributions to world sports, much like the achievements of Latino athletes in the U.S. and beyond.
The Taranto Games will also serve as a testing ground for padel’s Olympic ambitions. The sport has been lobbying for inclusion in future Olympic Games, and a strong showing here could bolster its case. As the competition unfolds, all eyes will be on how the sport handles the multi-sport format.
“This is a stepping stone,” said an official from the International Padel Federation. “We hope to see padel in the Olympics soon, and events like this prove we’re ready.”
For now, the focus is on Taranto. The Mediterranean Games have always been a celebration of sport and culture, and padel’s debut adds a new chapter to that story. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, this is a moment worth watching.
