Pickleball may be on the cusp of carving out a bigger role in Kuwait’s racket-sport scene, long dominated by padel. With its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, the game is often played in doubles and is seen by some as an easy transition for those already familiar with other racket sports.
For 18-year-old university student Mohammad Juzer, who regularly plays padel, the appeal is obvious. “If more courts opened and clubs started offering beginner sessions or casual games, I think more young people would be willing to give it a try,” he said.
Social Appeal Driving Interest in Kuwait
Pickleball’s social nature is another factor that could help it gain traction in Kuwait. “People are always looking for new things to do with their friends,” said fellow student Raj Tarawala. “That is one of the reasons padel has become so popular. You can make plans with a group, play for an hour or two, and still have a social experience.”
Local facilities are already noticing this trend. A representative of one venue running multiple courts said pickleball has been attracting younger players and groups of friends keen on staying active together. “Pickleball has been getting more popular recently among younger people and groups of friends looking for a fun way to stay active and spend time together,” the representative explained.
While interest is rising, facilities believe the sport’s potential is far greater than current numbers suggest. “We’ve also noticed that some customers who are new to the sport come back after trying it for the first time,” the representative added, noting that more courts across Kuwait could help pickleball establish itself alongside padel and other recreational activities.
A local padel coach and court owner echoed the sentiment, pointing out that pickleball’s similarities to other racket sports, combined with its social character, make it well-suited to appeal to Kuwaiti players.
The Role of Social Media
Tarawala believes online exposure could accelerate pickleball’s growth. “Once people start seeing their friends posting about it or seeing local tournaments and clips online, it becomes much easier for a sport to catch on,” he said. “Kuwait has a strong sports and fitness community, so if pickleball gets the right exposure, I don’t think it would take long for people to become curious about it.”
For now, pickleball remains a newcomer in Kuwait’s sporting landscape. But with its accessible gameplay, social appeal, and growing visibility, the sport may soon find itself stepping out of padel’s shadow.
