The fast-rising sport of padel has drawn strong interest at the 35th National Games in Karachi, where enthusiastic crowds have welcomed the new event and provincial teams are keen to shine. KP padel representatives arrived determined to build momentum on the national stage.
Sarfaraz Khan, chairman of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Padel Association, said the sport is still new to Pakistan but its prospects in the province are highly encouraging. He highlighted that younger players are gravitating towards padel because of its fast pace, skill-based rallies and modern techniques that suit emerging athletes.
The KP Padel Association is moving to strengthen the game from the grassroots, Mr Khan announced, with plans to open dedicated academies in Peshawar and in several districts. These facilities aim to provide structured coaching, regular practice and pathways for young talent to progress to higher levels of competition, reinforcing KP padel development across the province.
With active support from the Pakistan Padel Federation, the association expects KP to carve out a strong identity in padel over the coming years. Mr Khan expressed confidence that coordinated development and federation backing will help local players compete effectively at national and international events.
Muhammad Noman and Kamran Khan, who are representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the National Games, arrive fully prepared and focused. “Our players will enter the court with full dedication and commitment. God willing, they will win medals for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Mr Khan said, reflecting high hopes for podium finishes.
The inclusion of padel in this year’s National Games has opened fresh opportunities for the sport’s growth in the province, and officials expect the positive effects of these initiatives to become increasingly visible in KP’s sporting landscape in the years ahead.
