Padel at the European Parliament: Carraro Proud Ahead of Mediterranean Games Debut in Taranto

BRUSSELS, May 21, 2026 — With exactly four months to go before padel takes the stage at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, the sport once again found its way into one of Europe's most prestigious institutions. For the second time in a single year, padel was the focus of a dedicated session at the European Parliament in Brussels — a milestone that FIP President Luigi Carraro described as a source of immense pride.

A High-Level Stage for a Fast-Growing Sport

The round table, titled "Towards the Mediterranean Games and Beyond – The Development of Padel in Europe", took place in the Spinelli Room and brought together a distinguished panel of speakers:

• Luigi Carraro — President of the International Padel Federation (FIP)

• Antonella Sberna — Vice-President of the European Parliament

• Isidoro Alvisi — Vice-President of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP)

• Michelangelo Dell'Edera — Manager of Italy's Davis Cup team

• Juanjo Gutierrez — Spanish padel legend and Spain national team coach

• Paquito Navarro — World padel icon and fan favourite

• Carlo Molfetta — Director General of the Mediterranean Games

Carraro: "This Presence Makes Us Proud"

Opening his remarks after the institutional greetings, Carraro reflected on what it means to have padel represented at the European Parliament a second time in twelve months. "This presence makes us proud," he said, "once again underlining the attention our sport is receiving and encouraging us all to continue striving to do better." He reserved particular emotion for the upcoming Mediterranean Games, which run in Taranto from 21 August to 3 September 2026. "Puglia is an outstanding ambassador for Italy worldwide — for tourism and for major international sport," Carraro said. "Hosting a major multi-sport event that has been recognised by the International Olympic Committee for over seventy years, and which in Taranto will mark the debut of padel, is a first time that will be incredibly exciting for us."

A Record-Breaking Sport

Carraro also highlighted the extraordinary pace of padel's global expansion — a growth story unlike anything seen in modern sport. "No sport in history has grown and spread as rapidly as padel," he stated, pointing to 35 million players worldwide who have embraced the game as both competitors and passionate fans. On the federation front, the numbers are equally striking: the FIP now counts 100 national federations across five continents, with 45 in Europe alone — representing nearly half of the global total.

Icons on the Panel

Two of padel's most recognisable names were present in Brussels. Carraro paid warm tribute to Paquito Navarro, describing him as "the most popular player worldwide — outstanding on court but also in the way he engages with spectators and fans." He also praised Juanjo Gutierrez: "First an outstanding player and then a successful coach, working with leading pairs and for the Spanish national team — both he and Paquito will feature at the next FIP World Cup."

Italy's Commitment to the Sport

Wrapping up his address, Carraro acknowledged the work of Michelangelo Dell'Edera, the man leading Italy's Davis Cup team to three consecutive titles. "We are committed to padel. Michelangelo has begun this pathway together with the Federal Council of the FITP and President Angelo Binaghi, and with the support of Isidoro Alvisi — another example of excellence from Puglia — who have already helped change the history of tennis worldwide." --- The Mediterranean Games in Taranto 2026 represent far more than a tournament — they mark padel's formal entry into the world of major multi-sport events sanctioned by the IOC. For a sport that didn't exist on most people's radar a decade ago, Brussels and Taranto tell the same story: padel has arrived, and it is here to stay. Stay updated with the latest padel news and find courts near you on PadelMap.NET.