As the World Padel League enters its third season, the excitement is palpable. 11 high-octane matches featuring elite international players and six powerhouse teams promise fans two matches a day of relentless action.
For World No. 10 Veronica Virseda, who will be representing Khan Tigers, padel’s rapid global rise is no surprise. “Padel has shown exponential growth in recent years. It’s a very social sport, which makes it attractive to everyone,” she says. “Based on the number of people who play it worldwide, it should already be an Olympic sport — but it will become one very soon because it’s reaching every corner of the planet.”
Virseda’s story is one of grit and resilience. She made a remarkable return to professional padel after undergoing heart surgery, a life-altering experience that gave her a renewed purpose. “Going through a difficult situation in life always reminds you of the things that matter most to you, and in my case, padel was what made me happiest,” she shares. “That’s why I held on to that thought to return to competition with even more strength.”
To Indian players aspiring to make their mark in the sport, Virseda offers simple yet powerful advice: “Fight for every goal you set and pursue them through hard work, consistency, and humility.”
Her own journey from tennis to padel was not without its challenges. “I had to change many technical aspects, like preparing shots for both defense and attack, and the grip. These things can be frustrating at first, but with consistency, you learn them,” she explains, reflecting on her early transition between sports.
Padel, a dynamic racket sport played exclusively as doubles, combines elements of tennis and squash, with unique gameplay involving wall rebounds and fast-paced exchanges. With the league driving awareness and offering a global platform, aspiring Indian players have a chance to learn from legends like Virseda and take the sport to new heights.
