KARACHI — Pakistan will mark a new chapter in its sporting history later this month as the country prepares to host its first-ever international padel tournament in Karachi.
The APPT (Asia Pacific Padel Tour) Grand Slam will be staged at the state-of-the-art Legends Arena from October 30 to November 2, drawing Asia’s top padel players to compete on Pakistani soil for the very first time.
The event represents a significant milestone in the sport’s rapid growth within Pakistan. Just two years after the opening of the nation’s first padel courts at Legends Arena, the game has spread to major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad, with more than 350 courts now in operation nationwide.
Despite this remarkable expansion, Pakistan’s padel story has largely remained under the international radar. Hosting the APPT Grand Slam is now seen as a turning point, not only to showcase Pakistan’s presence on the global padel map but also to inspire further growth of the sport locally.
The effort has strong backing from one of the country’s most iconic athletes, squash legend Jahangir Khan, who also serves as chairman of Legends Arena. Khan believes that staging an international event of this magnitude will elevate the sport’s profile and give young Pakistani players the exposure they need.
“When we started two years ago, the level of padel was still very new in Pakistan. Now, within a short span of time, the standard has improved remarkably,” Khan told reporters. “This international tournament will encourage the younger generation and give them the chance to measure themselves against top talent from across the continent. I am confident that Pakistan has the potential to produce world-class players in the years ahead.”
Since its launch in 2023, the APPT has played a key role in promoting padel across Asia, with 34 events on its current calendar. Carlos Carrillo, CEO of the APPT, said his team was delighted to bring the tour to Pakistan.
“We are excited to come to Pakistan for the first time and collaborate with Legends Arena, one of the best venues on our tour this year,” Carrillo said. “We are confident this will be an outstanding event to close the October leg of our season.”
Talal Shah Khan, CEO of Total Sports & Legends Arena, echoed that sentiment, calling the tournament a proud moment for Pakistan’s padel community.
“Bringing the Asia Pacific Padel Tour Grand Slam to Karachi is more than just hosting a competition it’s a statement that Pakistan is now firmly on the international padel stage,” he said. “After our national team’s participation in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, having such an event at home is a huge step forward.”
The Karachi Grand Slam will feature both professional and amateur categories, with a prize fund of $13,000 on offer. Alongside men’s and women’s pro matches, the tournament will include men’s, women’s, and mixed amateur draws. Registration for amateur players will remain open until October 20, 2025, with details available on the official tournament website.
