Padel at the 2026 Asian Games: Nagoya tournament dates and format

The padel tournament at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games begins today, September 28, 2026, in Japan. It is the first time the sport has featured as a medal event at these Games. To follow the competition, here are the confirmed details: dates, draws and the decisive day.

Tournament dates and venue

Matches take place from September 28 to October 3 at the Nagoya City Higashi Sports Center in Nagoya. The finals and bronze-medal matches are scheduled for October 3.

As of September 28, the competition is just getting underway, so no results from this tournament have been established here. The announced schedule sets the tournament dates and the date of the medal matches, but the available information does not specify the time of each match.

How many pairs are competing?

The announced draws feature 20 men’s pairs and 23 women’s pairs, representing several countries in Asia. The Asian Games will therefore hold two padel competitions, with medals awarded after the finals and bronze-medal matches.

What does this debut mean for padel?

Padel’s inclusion as a medal sport at the Asian Games is a milestone for the sport at this regional multi-sport event. It comes at a time when padel is also featuring in other regional competitions: it was played at the Santa Fe South American Games from September 22 to 25, 2026.

These appearances do not, however, mean that padel will be included in the Olympic Games. They are separate competitions and do not, by themselves, constitute an announcement about the Olympic program.

An idea to try at a club

For a club, the tournament can be an opportunity to organize an introductory session: invite players to follow the finals, then arrange a taster session or open play. This is one possible activity idea, not an effect of the competition that has already been demonstrated. The format can be adapted to court availability and members’ habits.

The next key details are simple: the tournament starts on September 28, ends on October 3, and medals will be decided in the finals and bronze-medal matches on the final day.

Photo : padelfip.com.