Padel Confirmed as Medal Sport at European Games 2027 in Istanbul

Padel continues to strengthen its place on the international sporting calendar, with confirmation that it will once again feature as a medal sport at the European Games 2027 in Istanbul.

Following its debut as a medal sport at the Kraków 2023 European Games, where it was first introduced into the official competition programme, padel now returns to the European Games stage in 2027. This continued inclusion reflects the sport’s growing stability within major multi-sport events and its established position in the European sporting landscape.

The decision by the European Olympic Committees underlines the steady progression of padel in recent years — moving from rapid expansion to a more structured competitive environment across Europe. That development is visible across the wider ecosystem, including within adidas padel, through the players we work with, the performance products being developed for the modern game, and the growing community around the sport.

From Kraków 2023 to Istanbul 2027

Kraków 2023 marked a defining moment for padel. For the first time, athletes competed for European Games medals in men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles, bringing the sport into a fully integrated multi-sport setting.

The response confirmed padel’s suitability for this level of competition — fast-paced, engaging, and easy to follow for a wider sporting audience.

With Istanbul 2027 now confirmed, the sport continues its presence on this stage, reinforcing its place within the European Games programme.

Alongside this progression, we’ve seen adidas padel athletes competing at increasingly high levels, supported by equipment designed specifically for modern performance demands — from rackets built for control and power balance to footwear developed for the intensity of the game.

A sport entering a more established phase

This confirmation is less about introduction and more about consolidation.

Padel has moved into a phase where its development is increasingly structured, with stronger national systems, more competitive depth, and higher overall performance standards.

Within that context, major events like the European Games play an important role in maintaining visibility at the top level while supporting the sport’s broader growth.

It also aligns with what we’re seeing across adidas padel: a sport that is becoming more refined in how it is played, coached, and supported. That progression is reflected in both athlete development and the evolution of our latest padel collections, which continue to adapt to the demands of the modern game.

Connecting elite and grassroots levels

One of the most important aspects of padel’s inclusion in events like Istanbul 2027 is the way it connects different parts of the sport.

At one end is elite international competition, where players perform under pressure on a continental stage. At the other is the rapidly expanding base of players discovering padel at clubs across Europe and beyond.

As visibility at the top level increases, the link between these two worlds becomes clearer, helping players understand the pathways that now exist within the sport.

At professional level, the game continues to evolve quickly, with more structured tours, stronger training environments, and increasingly defined performance pathways — many of which are reflected in the development journeys of adidas padel athletes competing internationally today.

Looking ahead to Istanbul 2027

With Istanbul confirmed as the next European Games host, padel continues its established presence within the programme.

Rather than representing a new step, it reflects the sport’s ongoing integration into major international competition.

For the wider padel community — from players and clubs to those involved across adidas padel — this consistency highlights a sport that is building steadily, with clear direction and increasing depth at every level.

Padel is no longer emerging onto the stage. It is now part of it!