Kenya launches Padel Tennis Court, first of its kind in East Africa

The first-ever Padel Tennis Court was on Thursday launched in Kenya at the Nairobi Jaffery Sports Club in Lavington.

The court, an initiative of Playon Kenya, was officially opened by Chief Guest Sameer Merali, the chairman of the Nairobi Jaffery Sports Club.

Joining other distinguished guests, Mr. Merali watched as participants spurred on the court, which features an artificial turf with glass walls on all four sides.

The one-of-a-kind court, which traces its origins to South America, is the first such kind of sport activity in East Africa.

Egypt and South Africa are the only other African countries to have the sport in Africa.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Merali talked of his inspiration behind the sport while commending Kenya for the strides made as far as sports is concerned.

“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,” he highlighted while admiring the new venture.

At the same time, he also shared that the reason Padel Tennis is the fastest-growing sport in the world in that it’s an interactive game combining the joy of tennis, the fun of squash and the excitement of badminton.

Mr. Merali expressed that he was proud of the impact the court would have on the Nairobi Jaffery Sports Club Community by encouraging members to engage in healthy social activities.

“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.

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,” he emphasized.

Padel is a hybrid racket sport that is a mix of tennis, squash and badminton.

Faster than tennis and slower than squash, Padel is ideal for an invigorating yet fun workout.

It is an action-packed sport played in a glass cage on artificial turf. Rallies, lobs, smashes and drop shots are very common in the game.