What the PSB Decision Means for Padel in Pakistan
The Pakistan Sports Board has granted interim affiliation to the Pakistan Padel Federation, placing the body under the leadership of former squash legend Jahangir Khan. The move is important because it gives the sport an official administrative direction at a time when governance disputes have created confusion over who can legitimately represent padel in Pakistan.
According to the PSB, the affiliation is not unconditional. The federation must complete its registration under the Companies Act within 90 days and also secure international recognition. In addition, it has been directed to pursue formal affiliation with the International Padel Federation through the proper channels.
This decision matters because official recognition from the PSB can help bring order to a sport that has been growing quickly but has lacked a clear and unified national structure. Without that structure, development, representation, and long-term planning become much harder.
Jahangir Khan to Lead the Interim Setup
Under the new arrangement, Jahangir Khan will serve as President of the Pakistan Padel Federation, while Mansoor Ali Khan has been approved as Secretary. The appointment of a high-profile sporting figure like Jahangir Khan is likely to give the federation greater credibility at both the national and international level.
His involvement could also help the federation build trust within Pakistan’s sports ecosystem, especially at a time when multiple groups have previously claimed to be the official governing body for padel. In such situations, leadership matters because a recognized structure needs public confidence as well as administrative approval.
For the sport itself, the focus will now be on whether this interim arrangement can move quickly from recognition to organization. That includes formal registration, international outreach, and the development of a single platform for the sport’s future growth.
Why Padel Governance Became So Contested
The PSB’s decision comes after ongoing disputes over padel governance in Pakistan. Over time, multiple groups tried to present themselves as the sport’s official federation, which led to fragmentation and confusion. This kind of overlap can slow the growth of any sport because players, clubs, investors, and international bodies are left unsure about who holds legitimate authority.
In a related development, the Federal Investigation Agency has launched an inquiry against one of these groups. That has added another layer to the administrative complications surrounding the sport and highlighted how serious the governance issue had become.
For emerging sports, the absence of a single recognized governing body often creates problems in tournament organization, player development, official representation, and access to international affiliations. The interim affiliation appears to be an attempt to stop that drift and place padel under one clearer structure.
How Padel Grew in Pakistan Despite the Governance Issues
Padel has steadily grown in popularity in Pakistan over the past decade. The sport, which combines elements of tennis and squash, first gained visibility through private clubs and recreational facilities in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. It quickly found an audience among urban youth, corporate communities, and expatriate players.
Much of its early growth was driven by private investment rather than centralized sports administration. Several clubs developed dedicated courts and began hosting amateur competitions, which helped introduce the game to a wider audience. Even without strong official oversight, interest in the sport continued to rise.
The PSB’s interim affiliation is now expected to provide the structure that padel has lacked for years. If the federation meets the required conditions and builds proper recognition, the sport could move toward more formal development, stronger domestic organization, and eventual representation at the international level.
