Padel, a dynamic and social racquet sport, has captured the hearts of millions around the world. Its unique combination of tennis and squash elements, approachable rules and sociability of the game make it one of the fastest growing sports in the world. But where did this fascinating sport come from? Let's take a look at the history of paddle, from its humble beginnings to a global phenomenon.
Birth in Acapulco (1969)
The story of padel begins in 1969 in sunny Acapulco, Mexico. Enrique Corcuera, a wealthy businessman and avid tennis player, decided to create a game that could be played on a smaller court than the traditional tennis court, perfect for his estate. On his property in Acapulco, Corcuera built the first padel court. It was a rectangle measuring 10 meters by 20 meters, surrounded by walls 3 meters high. These walls, originally intended to protect the court from vegetation and prevent balls from falling outside the court, became an integral part of the game. Hard pallets and tennis balls were used for the game. Thus was born the padel, originally known as the “Paddle Corcuera”
Voyage across the Atlantic (1970s)
Alfonso de Hohenlohe-Langenburg, a member of the Spanish aristocracy, fell in love with paddle while visiting Corcuera. He brought the sport to Spain, where it became extremely popular, especially among the elite. In the 1980s and 1990s, padel became the national sport in Spain, and the number of players grew every day.
The conquest of South America - a boom in Argentina
As padel gained popularity in Spain, it also began to spread to other countries. In 1975, Julio Menditeguy, an Argentine friend of Hohenlohe's, brought padel to Argentina, where it also gained immense popularity. In 1988, the Argentine Padel Association (APA) was founded, and the first international matches between Spain and Argentina were held that same year.
1992 was a landmark year for padla on the international stage. The International Padla Federation (FIP) was formed to promote and regulate the sport worldwide. In 1993, the first European Padel Championships were held.
Global expansion (21st century)
The beginning of the 21st century has brought further rapid expansion of paddle around the world. The sport has gained popularity in many European countries, such as Portugal, Italy, France, Sweden and Germany.
Currently
The future of padel looks bright. The increased popularity of the sport around the world, the construction of new courts, the formation of clubs and the increased media presence indicate that padel has a bright future. Many experts believe that padel has the potential to become an Olympic sport in the near future.
Padel is a sport for everyone, regardless of age, gender or ability. Its simplicity, dynamism and sociable nature make it an ideal form of recreation for everyone.
