Introduction Pakistan is gearing up for its first-ever appearance in the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2025, a prestigious international tournament that wil
Introduction
Pakistan is gearing up for its first-ever appearance in the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2025, a prestigious international tournament that will bring together some of the region’s best padel teams. Scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, this event marks Pakistan’s formal entry into the world of competitive padel, a sport that has exploded in popularity across Asia in recent years.
For a country where cricket dominates headlines, Pakistan’s debut in padel signals an exciting diversification of its sports portfolio. Fans and officials alike are hopeful this opportunity will help promote new athletic talent and inspire youth participation in emerging sports.
What is Padel
Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, played in doubles on an enclosed court smaller than a tennis court. Known for its accessibility and social appeal, padel is considered one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
According to the International Padel Federation, over 25 million people play padel globally across more than 90 countries. This statistic is often repeated because it shows just how quickly the sport has moved from niche to mainstream.
Tournament Details
The Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2025 will feature top teams from countries including Japan, Australia, Thailand, India, and now Pakistan. Matches will be played from November 12 to November 19, 2025, in Bangkok’s state-of-the-art padel arena.
The format will include round-robin group stages followed by knockout rounds. For Pakistan, the focus will be on gaining experience rather than immediate podium finishes.
Pakistan’s Team Line-Up
The Pakistan Padel Federation, newly affiliated with the International Padel Federation, has nominated a team that includes athletes with tennis and squash backgrounds. Notable names include:
- Ali Khan – Former national-level tennis player transitioning into padel.
- Ayesha Malik – One of the first Pakistani women to represent the country in international padel.
- Bilal Qureshi & Omar Zaman – Doubles pair known for their athletic fitness and agility.
Selectors have emphasized a mix of youth and experience to give Pakistan a competitive debut while laying foundations for future tournaments.
Why This Debut Matters
Expanding Sports Beyond Cricket
While cricket remains Pakistan’s passion, padel’s growth offers an opportunity to diversify national sporting interests. The government and private sector are increasingly supporting sports beyond cricket to encourage wider youth engagement.
Inspiration for Youth
With over 65 percent of Pakistan’s population under 30 years old, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the country has one of the youngest demographics in Asia. This youthful energy makes it ideal for adopting fast-paced sports like padel.
Promoting Gender Inclusion
The inclusion of female players in the national squad is significant. As padel gains recognition, it could become a platform for increasing women’s participation in professional sports.
Regional Growth of Padel
The Asia Pacific region has seen padel clubs mushroom in recent years. Countries like India and Australia have invested heavily in infrastructure, with private clubs offering memberships and training programs. Pakistan’s debut will help it join this regional trend and potentially attract investment into local padel facilities.
In fact, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become hotspots for padel, with celebrity endorsements and high-profile tournaments making headlines. Given Pakistan’s close ties with the UAE, exposure in the Asia Pacific Cup could also strengthen sporting exchanges.
Challenges Ahead
While the debut is exciting, challenges remain:
- Infrastructure – Pakistan currently has very few padel courts, mostly in private sports complexes.
- Funding – Without corporate sponsorship, sustaining international participation could be difficult.
- Experience Gap – Competing against countries with established padel traditions will be a steep learning curve.
What Success Would Mean
Even a single win at the Asia Pacific Padel Cup would be considered a milestone for Pakistan. Beyond the scoreboard, success will be measured by:
- Increased recognition for padel back home.
- More investments in local training academies.
- Inspiring a new generation of athletes to consider non-traditional sports.
FAQs
When is Pakistan playing in the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2025?
The tournament runs from November 12 to November 19, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Who is in the Pakistan padel team?
Players include Ali Khan, Ayesha Malik, Bilal Qureshi, and Omar Zaman, among others.
Why is this debut important?
It marks Pakistan’s entry into an international sport outside cricket, promoting diversity and youth engagement.
How popular is padel globally?
Over 25 million people play padel worldwide across more than 90 countries.
Does Pakistan have padel courts?
Currently, only a few private courts exist, but participation in the Asia Pacific Cup could drive infrastructure growth.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s debut in the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2025 is more than just participation — it’s a symbolic step toward expanding the country’s sporting landscape. With over 25 million people playing padel worldwide and 65 percent of Pakistan’s population under 30, the timing couldn’t be better.
While challenges such as infrastructure and funding remain, the experience gained in Bangkok will lay the groundwork for future development. For young Pakistanis, especially women athletes now included in the squad, the Asia Pacific Padel Cup is not just a tournament — it’s an invitation to dream bigger in sports beyond cricket.
COMMENTS