Padel has been officially included as a medal event at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, after the organizing committee, Olympic Council of Asia, and International Padel Federation signed a memorandum of understanding. The racquet sport, blending tennis and squash, will debut alongside teqball, highlighting its rising popularity in Asia and globally.
The Organizing Committee for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games (AINAGOC), Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), and International Padel Federation (FIP) have signed a memorandum of understanding confirming padel as an official medal sport. As stated on the official Asian Games website: "AINAGOC, OCA, and FIP are pleased to announce the official signing of a memorandum of understanding on padel which is confirmed as an official medal-winning sport at the Asian Games."
The agreement outlines cooperation frameworks, with FIP handling primary planning and organization, AINAGOC providing support, and OCA ensuring governance compliance.
The 20th Asian Games, held every four years, are scheduled for September 19 to October 4, 2026, featuring 46 countries, 43 sports, and thousands of athletes across Aichi and Nagoya—following the Covid-delayed 2023 edition in China.
Padel, typically played as doubles on an enclosed court, has surged in popularity worldwide, attracting stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Max Verstappen. FIP President Luigi Carraro called it "a significant moment for our sport," noting its rapid growth in Asia and global impact.
The OCA also confirmed teqball—a blend of football and table tennis—as another new medal event.