Padel (2023-10-29) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Seaside origins
Padel is a racket sport with a very peculiar origin. It was created in 1962 in the city of Acapulco, when Enrique Corcuera modified his frontis (front wall) with a wall at the end of the court and placed a net in the middle.
Padel (2023-10-29) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Padel vs. tennis
Although it shares the same points system as tennis, padel is played with walls and on a smaller court, making it a more accessible sport for beginners.
Padel (2023-10-29) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Rules of the game
Although more accessible, this doesn't make it any less complex. Interestingly, padel is only played in pairs, adding an extra element of strategy and a series of variables that make it forever unpredictable.
Padel (2023-10-29) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Some special features
The walls add a certain degree of variability and tactics: players must know when to let the ball bounce and when to hit it. The best padel players even save balls that fall outside the court.
Padel (2023-10-29) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Elite athletes
As the epicenter of the sport, Mexico has a hugely competitive padel scene. Professional players like Ana María Cabrejas, known as La Chaparra (the Small One), take Mexico's name to lofty heights.
Padel (2023-10-29) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
World stage
Mexico is a stop on the World Padel Tour, the most important padel competition in the world. It is held every year in the Juan de la Barrera Olympic gymnasium, in Mexico City.
Padel (2023-10-29) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A growing sport
Both in Mexico and around the world, padel has grown exponentially. In fact, it is the fastest-growing sport globally, reaching 110 countries and 25 million players, including Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Padel (2023-10-29) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Art within sport
Padel has become so much more than a sport. It has become a true vehicle through which Mexican culture has earned its place in the world.
Padel (2023-10-29) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Art and padel
One such example is the padel-esque objects adorned with small colorful beads known as chaquiras. For the wixárika people, these colorful symbols embody their rituals, stories and myths.
Padel (2023-10-29) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Community and society
At its core, padel fosters a sense of community and cultural integration. Its clubs are meeting spaces that strengthen community ties.
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