The Padel Federation Tanzania has urged public and private institutions to boost support for the rapidly growing sport of padel. Blending elements of tennis and squash, padel is attracting more players and facilities in major cities. Federation spokesperson Umberto Cattaneo emphasized the need for collaboration to realize the sport's potential.
In Dar es Salaam, the Padel Federation Tanzania (PFT) has appealed to both government bodies and private entities to enhance their backing for padel, a racket sport combining tennis and squash that is seeing rising interest nationwide. Facilities and participants are increasing in urban areas, signaling the sport's expansion.
Umberto Cattaneo, PFT spokesperson, highlighted the importance of partnerships in an interview. "Government support does not always have to be financial. What is most important is understanding the future and social value of padel," he stated. He suggested that authorities could aid by simplifying import processes and reducing duties on equipment and courts from nations like Spain and Italy.
Cattaneo cited a positive example from Mwanza, where a local padel center received import duty waivers, crediting the regional authorities for acknowledging the project's societal benefits. Drawing parallels to his home country Italy, where football overshadows other sports, he argued for a broader approach. "Sport should be viewed broadly. Focusing on one discipline alone limits opportunities for growth and talent development," Cattaneo remarked.
He underscored padel's role in youth development, noting that it instills discipline, resilience, and the ability to handle success or failure gracefully. For children from challenging environments, the sport provides stability and optimism.
The private sector is encouraged to contribute via sponsorships and promotions, given padel's visibility and market appeal. Recently, PFT organized the first Safari Smash Padel Premier, a competitive event for men's and women's teams. Tembo won the men's division by beating Simba, while Mamba took the women's title.