Rackets at the ready, SA's padel community leans towards first top-tier competition
A mix of tennis and squash, padel is not only the fastest-growing sport, it has more than 25 million players in over 110 countries.
The padel market was estimated to be worth $327 million two years ago, and is forecast to grow by 9.6% by 2027. Picture: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's ever-expanding padel audience can finally look forward to a celeb-infused tournament early next year, solidifying the surprisingly popular sport.
A mix of tennis and squash, padel is not only the fastest-growing sport, it has more than 25 million players in over 110 countries.
From 22 to 23 February 2025, the eagerly awaited Sunbet Padel Invitational, which was founded by media star Kriya Gangiah, will premiere.
The invitational is the first of its kind in South Africa and will offer regular padel players and teams the chance to compete against South African sports stars and celebrities in exciting two-day intermediate and advanced matches.
The sharp rise in the popularity of padel in South Africa, according to Gangiah, has created several chances to further the sport even more.
"Padel is now the sport with the fastest rate of growth in South Africa, and it's amazing to see the community that has grown up around it. The Sunbet Padel Invitational will expand padel's appeal in South Africa by bringing the game to new areas and fans, in addition to enabling fans to play alongside their favorite celebrities."
To introduce the sport to fans across the country, the event will travel to prestigious venues across South Africa.
The first padel court was constructed in South Africa at the end of 2020, and by the end of 2022, there were 176 courts nationwide.
More than 100,000 South Africans currently participate in padel, and over 400 courts have been constructed nationwide as of April, according to Playtomic, the top booking site for the sport.
The padel market was estimated to be worth $327 million two years ago and is forecast to grow by 9.6% by 2027.