India to host Padel All Stars exhibition with world No.1 duo
India is set to witness a historic sporting milestone as PadelPark India officially announces 'Padel All Stars,' a one-night-only exhibition that will bring the world's No. 1 padel duo, Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia, to Indian soil for the first time, according to a release.
The event is scheduled for August 29 at the Dome SVP Stadium (NSCI), Worli, Mumbai, and is expected to host over 4,000 spectators. Organizers describe it as one of India's most anticipated premium sports and lifestyle spectacles.
The rise of padel in India
The announcement comes on the heels of padel's recent recognition as an official medal sport at the Asian Games. The sport has seen unprecedented growth across the country, which is now home to a thriving community of more than 100,000 active players, the release said.
Jigar Doshi, Co-Founder of PadelPark India, reflected on this growth: "For the past 3 to 4 years, we've watched padel grow in India, court by court, city by city. Padel All Stars is the moment it goes from a movement to a mainstage - because when the world's No. 1 pair, Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia, choose to play here, the world starts paying attention. We're deeply grateful to Arturo and Agustin for believing in this vision and making India part of their journey. This is not just an exhibition match; it's a signal that India has arrived on the global padel map, and an invitation to the next generation to pick up a racket, start playing, and compete in India's fastest-growing sport."
Star-studded lineup and lifestyle experience
The 'Padel All Stars' event is engineered as a high-octane lifestyle experience, featuring a world-class padel exhibition match and appearances by top Indian players competing on court, according to both ANI and The Tribune. Adding to the excitement, internationally ranked professional players Alfonso Sanchez and Anton Sanz will also participate, bringing an added level of skill, intensity and global sporting calibre to the evening, as reported by The Tribune. The event is also expected to welcome celebrated stars alongside leading corporate leaders, entertainment personalities, and distinguished members of India's sporting fraternity, creating an unparalleled atmosphere of glamour and excitement, according to the same source.
Perspectives
PadelPark India: Co-founder Jigar Doshi views the event as a turning point for padel in India, shifting the sport "from a movement to a mainstage" and signalling India's arrival on the global padel map. He emphasizes gratitude to Coello and Tapia for choosing India and hopes the event will inspire the next generation to take up the sport.