We already told you about it this summer, Padel has taken off in Chile. Two explanations are at the origin of this: the pandemic and the “October revolt” 2019. Indeed it would seem that these two factors have managed to explode this discipline within the Chilean territory.

But what about today? Has padel really progressed? That's what we're going to see right away.

A proven success

While the popularity of padel continues to increase around the world, Chile has also been bitten by the bug of the little yellow ball. It must be said that the major players in the discipline are not skimping on the means to grow this sport. Indeed, it is mainly thanks to investments from the private sector that this success can see the light of day.

A few months ago Cupra has decided to set up in the country alongside a certain Fernando Belasteguin. “Padel in Chile has been around for many years, but it is only recently that the sport has experienced a great development. For me it is always a pleasure to come to Chile because it has been a long time, and I have many Chilean friends.”, explained the Argentine legend in an interview.

chile padel 2023 wpt
WPT Chile Open 2023 First international competition in Chile

On the event side, at the beginning of last year an exhibition with some of the cream of world padel such as Juan Lebron, Miguel Lamperti, Federico Chingotto and Juan Martin Diaz was organized to give additional visibility to the discipline. This year, even more stars were present in this neighboring country of Argentina.

Finally, this is one of the great news for Chilean sport, from March 13 to 19 the world's best players will drop their suitcases for a tournament in the country's capital for what will be its first competition of such scope.

More than 800 tracks installed in the country

“We have never seen such aggressive growth as that of padel. Currently, there are 15 active players, around 000 courts available and in clubs the demand has increased by around 500% between 300 and 2018”, press Fanny espinoza, representative of Drop Shot in Chile.

As you will have understood, faced with this social phenomenon and this ever-increasing attraction for padel, entrepreneurs have had to redouble their efforts. Today, the National Sports Federation counts no fewer than 800 tracks built in the country. The majority of them are located in the capital and its surroundings. However, demand continues to grow and new complexes are already under construction. To soon reach the milestone of 1000 tracks?

Sebastien Carrasco

Future naturopath and padel enthusiast, Seb is the health/food man of Padel Magazine. He juggles between pala, quinoa and essential oils. For almost two years now he has been dealing with the news of the little yellow ball with the same passion.

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