The world's fastest-growing participation sport, padel, has taken a major stride towards its ultimate goal: a place on the Olympic programme. This ambitious push is being propelled by the launch of the groundbreaking Hexagon World Series, a team event that could be remembered as the sport's defining moment.
A Star-Studded Push for Spectator Appeal
While participation in padel is skyrocketing globally, with over 30 million players worldwide, the challenge has been translating that grassroots success into a compelling spectator product. The newly launched Hexagon World Series, sanctioned by the International Padel Federation (FIP), aims to bridge that gap. Its strategy involves enlisting high-profile sporting celebrities to capture public attention.
The series will feature teams captained by global stars including tennis legend Andy Murray, heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, and former football star Sergio Aguero. This format builds upon the existing Hexagon Cup, a standalone competition held in Madrid each January.
The Direct Path to Olympic Recognition
For the sport's pioneers, this new series is more than just another tournament; it's a calculated move towards the Olympic stage. Enrique Buenaventura, founder of the Hexagon Cup, stated the mission clearly: to grow padel globally, unlock commercial potential, and "contribute decisively to its Olympic journey."
Luigi Carraro, President of the FIP, has already begun discussions with International Olympic Committee (IOC) delegates. The long-term target is clear: the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane have been identified as a potential debut for the sport. The team format of the Hexagon World Series, which combines the scores of two men and two women per team, aligns perfectly with the IOC's strong emphasis on gender equality.
Players Embrace the Olympic Dream
For professional players, the prospect of competing at the Olympics is a powerful motivator. Spanish padel player Pablo Cardona, who represents the Rafael Nadal Academy Team, expressed the sentiment shared by many athletes.
"Playing at the Olympics would be a dream for all of the players," Cardona said. He acknowledged that the decision rests with sport administrators and global growth, but emphasised the significance: "If it is part of the Olympics, it would mean that padel has become a global sport... it would show where we are going on a global level."
The launch of the Hexagon World Series marks a pivotal chapter for padel. By blending elite competition with star power and a format that meets Olympic criteria, the sport is strategically positioning itself for a place on the world's biggest sporting stage.
