Padel’s global stars Coello and Tapia make India debut before packed Mumbai crowd

Mumbai: Padel’s growing fan base in India got a major international boost as the world’s No. 1 duo, Arturo Coello and Agustín Tapia, made their first appearance in the country at Padel All Stars in Mumbai.

Promoted by PadelPark India and produced by Percept Live, the one-night event turned Dome SVP Stadium at NSCI, Worli, into a showcase for one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Thousands of spectators packed the venue to watch the reigning top-ranked pair in action.

The event was presented by Godrej City Panvel and co-presented by Vedanta Group, with HSBC as Experience Partner. Kérastase joined as Luxury Partner, CentreCourt Sports Resort and Spa as Co-powered Partner, Mercedes-Benz India as Luxury Automobile Partner and PL Capital as Associate Partner.

The headline act lived up to the billing. Coello and Tapia showcased the explosive power, speed and precision that have established them as the dominant force in international padel, giving Mumbai audiences a close-up look at the level of play driving the sport’s global growth.

For Tapia, the visit was as much about India’s future in the sport as it was about the match.

“I’m very happy to be in India for the first time, and I really hope to see more and more people playing and enjoying the game here,” said Agustín Tapia. “India has the potential to become an important part of that journey. It would be amazing to come back and see many more players, more courts and an even bigger padel community.”

Coello said the reception demonstrated the potential for padel to find a much larger audience in the country.

“It’s super special for me and for the sport to arrive in a new country like India,” said Arturo Coello. “To see the energy and passion from the people and to know that they recognise and enjoy the sport makes this experience very special for us. I hope this is just the beginning of something big for padel in India.”

The evening also marked a significant moment for PadelPark India, which is seeking to build a broader ecosystem around the sport, from infrastructure and professional competition to training and consumer participation.

“We’re deeply grateful to Arturo and Agustín for believing in this vision and making India part of their journey,” said PadelPark India co-founder Jigar Doshi. “This was not just an exhibition match; it’s a signal that India has arrived on the global padel map, and an invitation to the next generation to pick up a racket, start playing, and compete in India’s fastest-growing sport.”

The action unfolded over a three-set exhibition match, with the final set providing an unusual treat. Coello and Tapia teamed up on the same side of the court, giving fans a chance to see the two stars combine rather than compete against each other.

The timing of the showcase also reflects the sport’s growing footprint in India. Padel is now recognised as an official medal sport at the Asian Games, while the country’s player community has grown to more than 100,000 active participants, according to PadelPark India.

Beyond the court, the event brought together sporting entertainment, lifestyle and corporate partnerships, underlining how padel is increasingly being positioned as more than a niche recreational activity. Its combination of accessibility, social play and competitive intensity is helping it attract a new generation of Indian sports enthusiasts.

PadelPark India describes itself as a 360-degree padel platform spanning infrastructure development through SkyPadel, professional competition through the Mercedes-Benz Indian Padel Tour, training through the Indian Padel Academy in partnership with Westlife Foodworld, Bullpadel India and its consumer-facing 7Padel MS Dhoni brand.

The Mumbai showcase therefore served a purpose beyond one star-studded night. With global champions now stepping onto Indian courts and a rapidly expanding domestic player base, padel’s next big rally could well be its push into the mainstream.