FISU grants official recognition to the International Padel Federation

The International University Sports Federation (FISU) is pleased to announce the official recognition of Padel as a FISU-recognised sport, marking a significant step in the expansion of university sports worldwide. This recognition follows a comprehensive evaluation of the International Padel Federation’s (FIP) submission, which demonstrated the sport’s rapid growth, global appeal, and alignment with FISU’s mission of fostering innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in university sports.

The decision was taken after thorough discussions during the recent FISU Executive Committee meeting, where the popularity, structural development, and potential for engagement of university athletes in Padel were reviewed. The sport has shown remarkable expansion across continents, attracting players from diverse skill levels, genders, and backgrounds, while upholding values of equality, sportsmanship, and accessibility.

“This recognition underscores FISU’s commitment to embracing emerging sports that align with our vision”, said Matthias Remund, FISU Secretary General/CEO. “Padel’s dynamic and inclusive nature makes it an ideal addition to the FISU ecosystem, providing new opportunities for student-athletes to compete and develop on an international stage”.

The recognition of Padel within FISU paves the way for enhanced collaboration between FISU and FIP. As a next step, both organisations will work towards formalising their cooperation through a memorandum of understanding, which will outline joint initiatives and development opportunities for university Padel competitions.

“This is an extraordinary achievement for FIP and all those who love padel”, said Luigi Carraro, the President of the International Padel Federation (FIP). “This recognition reflects our commitment, and that of our National Federations, towards younger generations in terms of sporting results, both at competitive and amateur level, as well as fundamental principles such as inclusion, socialisation and cultural exchange. Working with FISU by featuring padel in the university competitions will be a primary goal and a specific effort that FIP and its member federations will make with great enthusiasm and passion”.

FISU looks forward to fostering the growth of Padel within university sports and working closely with FIP to further integrate the sport into the international university sports movement.