The first Padel Tennis court in East Africa has been launched in Nairobi.

Padel is a hybrid racket sport that is a mix of tennis, squash and badminton, but faster than tennis and slower than squash.

Speaking during the launch of the court, which is located at the Jaffery Sports Club in Lavington, the Sports Club’s chairman Sameer Merali termed padel tennis as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, due to its sociable nature.

“I saw it in Dubai for the first time and wondered when such a court would be opened in Kenya. These days, Kenya is so far ahead and we have a leading edge in this part of the world,” Merali said.

“For many people, sports have become a way they want to hang out with their friends. They
want to do healthy things as opposed to going to a bar or anywhere else,” he added.

The court, which was launched by an organization called Playon Sports, features an artificial turf with glass walls on all four sides.

Playon Sports founder, Calleb Karegyesa, noted that sports and other related facilities are one way to grow the economy, adding that he is excited to contribute to the growth of the game in Kenya.

“Our family and friends are at the core of our lives and enjoying a game of padel after a long day or an exhaustive week with them is just a good remedy for the soul,” Karegyesa said.

Origin of padel tennis

Padel tennis traces its roots to South America, from where it has spread to other parts of the world.

A standard Padel Tennis Court is 10 metres by 20 metres so about a third the size of a squash court and 30% smaller than tennis courts.

The balls used are the same as tennis balls but with a little less pressure, and the rackets are
stringless and perforated commonly made of carbon and fibreglass.