RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Jakarta has stepped onto the global padel stage, hosting its first-ever official tournaments under the International Padel Federation (FIP) banner--the FIP Bronze and FIP Promises Jakarta 2026.

The competitions opened on Thursday, July 9, at RANA Grounds in Mampang, South Jakarta, marking a milestone for Indonesia’s growing presence in the sport.

The event signals international recognition of padel’s rapid development in the country, from the expansion of courts to rising public interest and the emergence of young talent.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Chairman Marciano Norman, Padel Indonesia Chairman Galih Dimuntur Kartasasmita, and RANA Grounds owner Trisalda A. Paulus.

Qualifying rounds had already begun on July 7, with athletes from multiple nations vying for places in the main draw and valuable international ranking points.

Galih Kartasasmita emphasized that Indonesia is now firmly on the world’s radar. “We chose RANA Grounds because of its strategic location and nine international-standard courts, making it highly suitable for major tournaments,” he said.

He noted that this year’s edition is particularly special as it introduces the Promises category--international youth competitions--for the first time in Indonesia, with participation from 31 countries, setting an Asian record.

The FIP Bronze Jakarta 2026 features more than 200 male and female athletes from across the globe, including players from Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Kazakhstan, and beyond.

Alongside the senior competition, the FIP Promises Jakarta 2026 brings together junior players in the U-14, U-16, and U-18 age groups, offering Indonesian youngsters a rare chance to experience the atmosphere of international competition.

Padel Indonesia hopes the successful staging of these tournaments will pave the way for more global events in Indonesia. The country is already scheduled to host the FIP Asia Promises in November 2026, further strengthening its role in nurturing padel talent and expanding the sport’s footprint in the region. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)