The sports landscape in Ghana expanded significantly this Thursday, with the Professional Padel Association of Ghana (PPAOG) officially becomes the 55th sports federation under the National Sports Authority. The launch event, hosted at the S2 Sports Complex in Spintex, Accra, marks a major milestone for the sport of padel in Ghana, with the association unveiling its plans for growth and development in the country.
Creating new frontiers in Ghanaian sports
The establishment of the PPAOG dates back to November 2022 when the sport was introduced to Ghana. Jean Said, President of the PPAOG, emphasized the organization’s ambition to formalize, develop and raise padel to a competitive level, including the establishment of a championship and a national team. The association now has four courts at the S2 Complex, signaling a bright future for the sport with the upcoming Padel Accra Open and other tournaments. Nur SeklawiVice President of the PPAOG, expressed the ultimate goal of the organization to form a national team to represent Ghana internationally, with the aim of complementing the country’s football achievements with success in padel.
Government and Public Support
At launch, Majeed BawaDeputy Director General of the National Sports Authority, representing the Minister of Sports Mustafa Usif, commended the PPAOG for its initiative to promote padel in Ghana. The association’s proactive approach, including the construction of padel courts and a comprehensive social media campaign, was instrumental in introducing the sport to the Ghanaian public. With plans to expand its membership to 2,000 by the end of the year and the ambition to build more courts nationwide, PPAOG is laying the groundwork for padel to become a prominent sport in Ghana.
A Vision for the Future
PPAOG’s vision extends beyond creating a competitive framework for padel in Ghana. Having successfully organized the inaugural Ghana Padel Championship last year, the association wants to promote a national interest in padel that goes beyond the sport itself. By developing a strong national team, PPAOG aims to showcase Ghanaian talent on the international stage, contributing to the country’s rich sporting heritage. This ambition is aligned with the National Sports Authority’s support for the proliferation of padel courts across Ghana, underscoring a shared commitment to the growth and accessibility of the sport.
As the Professional Padel Association of Ghana embarks on this journey, the enthusiasm and support from both the government and the public highlights the potential for padel to become an important part of Ghana’s sporting culture. With strategic growth plans and a passion for the game, PPAOG is poised to usher in an exciting new chapter in Ghanaian sports, promising to bring international recognition and foster a sense of national pride through the achievements of its future Golden Stars.