RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - In recent years, padel has gained recognition as one of the preferred racket sports among urban communities in major Indonesian cities. Its growing presence is reflected in the establishment of dedicated courts and an increase in playing activities involving people from various backgrounds.

According to the book All About Padel: The Complete Guide for Beginners by Kim Feldmann, padel belongs to the family of racket sports and is a direct descendant of tennis. The sport inherits a number of elements from its predecessor, including game rules, tactical approaches, as well as terminology and playing etiquette, with the main objective of hitting the ball over the net into the opponent’s court using a racket or paddle.

In an interview with RRI Voice of Indonesia, Istnaya, Marketing Court at one of the padel facilities in Tangerang, said that padel is now developing as part of the urban lifestyle. “The main advantage of padel is that it has become a lifestyle sport, even though it first entered Indonesia in 2010. It began to boom in Jakarta in the 2020s,” she said.

She explained that padel initially developed in Bali after being introduced by Spanish residents before later being adapted in Jakarta. According to Istnaya, the sport is relatively easier to play than tennis due to its smaller court size, lighter rackets, and simpler rules.

The nature of padel, which is generally played in doubles, further strengthens its social aspect, making it not only a form of physical exercise but also a space for interaction among players. In urban areas, padel is often chosen as a recreational activity after working hours because it combines fitness and entertainment in a single activity.

From a health perspective, padel offers significant physical benefits through movements that train agility, reflexes, and hand–eye coordination without placing excessive strain on the body.

With its accessible gameplay and strong social appeal, padel is expected to continue growing as one of Indonesia’s popular recreational sports.