Padel, a sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, has quickly gained popularity in Mauritius. Its accessibility and social nature have attracted both locals and expatriates. In just a few years, padel has evolved from a casual pastime into a thriving activity on the island. This article explores the sport's origins, its rapid growth in Mauritius, and the best places to play.
Padel originated in Mexico in 1969, created by Enrique Corcuera. With limited space at his Acapulco home, Corcuera designed a compact court enclosed by walls and fencing, using a solid wooden racket to hit the ball. This innovative setup quickly captivated players, leading to the sport's spread across South America and its eventual surge in popularity in Spain.
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Played exclusively in doubles, padel is known for its easy learning curve, making it appealing to newcomers. Once players understand the unique rules involving walls and fencing, they can experiment with various shots, including the chiquita, lob, bandeja, and vibora. The court's dimensions, nearly half the size of a traditional tennis court, have prompted many clubs to prioritize building padel facilities.
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Mauritius has embraced the padel trend enthusiastically. The island now boasts 46 courts across 12 clubs, excluding those in hotels and upcoming projects. "Padel began establishing a foothold on the island in 2020. Since then, growth has been exponential. Demand continues to rise, with each tournament bringing in three to four new licenses," notes Pascal Hoffmann, director of Urban Sport clubs in Grand Baie and Rivière Noire.
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In response to the sport's growing popularity, the Mauritius Padel League was formed. Led by Christian Bezandry, Pascal Hoffmann, and Mauritius's top player, Mathieu Vallet, the league has been organizing numerous tournaments since September 2023. With 12 affiliated clubs, competitions range from mixed tournaments to categories like M25, M100, M250, M500, and the prestigious M1000, which welcomes international participants. "The recent M1000 event attracted players from Mauritius, Réunion, and Madagascar. We hope future editions will see participation from South African players, providing an excellent platform to showcase talent," Hoffmann adds.
The Mauritius Padel League is steadily professionalizing. In September, the inaugural Island Padel Cup saw competitors from Mauritius, Madagascar, and Réunion converge in Madagascar. The next edition, slated for October 2025 in Mauritius, offers motivated players ample time to refine their skills and climb the rankings.
In October, La Isla Beau Plan hosted a significant event under the Federation of International Padel (FIP) banner—the Beau Plan FIP Star. This tournament featured international athletes, including members of the French padel team, competing against local talents. The event elevated Mauritius's status on the global padel stage, highlighting its commitment to the sport's development.
Beyond competition, padel serves as a vibrant social activity, bringing together Mauritians and newcomers alike. Playing matches offers a fun way to meet people while staying active. Courts are typically rented for 75 to 90 minutes, allowing for three sets of six games. Clubs help connect players of different skill levels through dedicated WhatsApp groups and sessions led by the island's 15 certified coaches.
The only downside? The sport's addictive nature might leave you eagerly anticipating your next game!
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