Padel Takes South Africa by Storm: Kriya Gangiah Leads the Charge for New Sport Revolution

The padel sport is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity in South Africa, with media personality Kriya Gangiah at the forefront of this movement. As the founder of the inaugural Sunbet Padel Invitational, set to take place in mid-February, Gangiah is leveraging her influence to elevate padel to new heights, drawing comparisons to the traditional networking sport of golf. Emerging from its origins in the late 1960s, padel has seen rapid adoption in the last decade, capturing the attention of former athletes, celebrities, and influential figures. Notable fans of the sport include global icons like David Beckham, Serena Williams, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Lionel Messi. Gangiah highlights that padel offers a unique opportunity for connection, akin to golf, but with a significant advantage: time. “I don’t want to say it’s the new golf, but it gives the same feelings as golf,” she shared. In contrast to golf, which often requires a six-hour commitment, a game of padel can be completed in just two hours, making it an appealing option for busy professionals. The sport’s shorter duration allows for more spontaneous gatherings and networking opportunities, fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts. The excitement surrounding padel is palpable, especially among the influential individuals who have taken up the sport. Gangiah notes that the growing padel community is not only comprised of influential figures but also passionate players who are eager to embrace the game. “When you’re addicted to padel, you’re addicted,” she remarked, emphasizing the sport's addictive nature and its capacity to bring people together. Gangiah’s initiative to host the Sunbet Padel Invitational stems from her observations of the burgeoning interest among South African celebrities. By creating a platform where fans can engage with their idols in a neutral and enjoyable setting, she aims to further popularize the sport. The tournament will see participants like former Proteas batsman Ashwell Prince and rugby players Schalk Brits and Rudy Paige taking to the courts, showcasing their skills while promoting padel to a wider audience. Set for February 22-23, 2025, at Time Square in Pretoria, the tournament promises to be a significant event in the growing sport's calendar. Gangiah has made entrance free to encourage accessibility, recognizing that while padel can be a costly sport to enter, the potential exists to inspire a younger generation to embrace it. She passionately believes in the sport's ability to transcend socio-economic barriers, stating, “We could find an amazing padel star that might not come from the best background, and that’s what I want to do with it.” With the participation of celebrities and influencers, Gangiah hopes to create a pathway for youth to discover and fall in love with padel, potentially transforming the landscape of South African sports. As South Africa’s fastest-growing sport, padel is set to continue its ascent, bolstered by the efforts of advocates like Kriya Gangiah. With its blend of athleticism, camaraderie, and accessibility, padel may very well carve out a niche as the new golf, one racquet swing at a time.