Mumbai, July 23 -- Padel's inclusion in the Asian Games marks a watershed moment for one of the world's fastest-growing sports, signalling its transition from a niche discipline into the sporting mainstream. Having expanded rapidly beyond its traditional strongholds of Spain and Argentina, the racquet sport is now poised for a major boost in visibility, investment and participation across Asia.

For World Padel League (WPL) Co-Founder Mahesh Bhupathi, this is the moment padel moves from being an emerging sport to becoming part of the mainstream sporting conversation, according to a press release.

"The medals are important, but they're only one part of the story. What really changes is how a sport is perceived. Once you're part of an even...