Mahesh Bhupathi Bets Big on Padel: World Padel League Debuts in Mumbai
New Delhi, Aug 12 – Tennis icon Mahesh Bhupathi, who carved India’s name into global tennis history with 12 Grand Slam doubles titles, is now rallying behind a fast-rising racket sport — padel. With the World Padel League (WPL) making its India debut in Mumbai from August 12–16, Bhupathi believes the country is on the brink of a new sporting chapter.
“We’re Still at Ground Zero”
Speaking to IANS ahead of the event, Bhupathi noted the sport’s rapid rise in India but stressed that it’s still early days:
"Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Over the last couple of years, there’s been exponential growth, with many tennis players taking it up as a secondary option. But I believe we’re still at ground zero, and there’s plenty of scope for growth."
The former world No. 1 in doubles says the WPL’s arrival from Dubai to India is more than just an exhibition — it’s a catalyst for long-term development.
"One of our main goals is to be part of that journey and help it move faster. We are also working closely with the Federation to organise other ancillary events around it. Hopefully, in 5–10 years, we will see just how far this sport can go."
A Sport With a Global Calendar
While still a novelty for many Indian fans, padel has an established global tour structure.
"Not many people know this, but padel already has four majors," Bhupathi said. "They play Qatar Major, Italy Premier Padel Major, Paris Premier Padel Major and Mexico Premier Padel Major. Just like tennis, it has a full tour and the players are becoming increasingly popular. For Indian fans, getting to watch this level of play is rare, which is why the WPL is going to be really exciting."
Careers Beyond the Court
Bhupathi is confident that padel can create career opportunities for aspiring athletes and sports professionals alike.
"In any sport, if you want to make a career out of it, you need to start young and put in the hard work. Most tennis coaches are former players, and the same will happen with padel; you need to play the sport at a certain level to coach it well."
He added that many tennis coaches in India are already expanding into padel and pickleball coaching, creating a natural skills crossover.
WPL Season 3: Bigger and Better
Following the success of its second season, the third edition of the World Padel League will feature six teams instead of four, with 36 world-class players competing at Mumbai’s Nesco venue. The league’s expansion is aimed at increasing competitiveness and showcasing the sport’s elite talent to Indian audiences.
Background: What is Padel?
Padel is a hybrid of tennis and squash, played on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court, with solid rackets and a scoring system similar to tennis. Originating in Mexico in the 1960s, it has surged in popularity in Spain, Latin America, and parts of Europe, and is now rapidly spreading across Asia and the Middle East.
Its appeal lies in being easier to pick up than tennis, with quicker rallies, social doubles format, and accessible learning curve — factors that Bhupathi believes make it perfect for India’s urban sporting culture.
Implications for India’s Sports Scene
- Grassroots Growth: With Bhupathi’s involvement and the WPL’s entry, local academies could soon integrate padel into their training programs.
- Tourism Boost: International players and fans could position India as a regular tour stop in the padel calendar.
- Economic Opportunities: From coaching to infrastructure development, padel could create a new niche within India’s sports industry.
Final Thoughts – TheTrendingPeople.com
Mahesh Bhupathi’s latest sporting venture isn’t just about importing an international league — it’s about planting the seeds of a sport with the potential to thrive in India’s urban and youth-driven markets. If his vision pans out, padel could follow a trajectory similar to cricket’s T20 revolution: fast, accessible, and unmissable.