Using padel to elevate racquet sports to new heights
At the Ascaro Padel and Social Club, located on the rooftop of 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya, customers are having fun playing padel.
Ascaro Padel and Social Club is making waves in both sports and social circles, providing a top-notch experience. Situated atop the new wing of 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, it offers not only a venue for sports but also a space for socializing.
Originating in Mexico and gaining traction in Spain, which boasts the largest number of players worldwide, padel is rapidly becoming the fastest-growing racquet sport globally, with hopes of inclusion in the Olympics by 2032. Often likened to a blend of tennis and squash, padel is played on a smaller court enclosed by glass walls on all sides, defining the playing area.
Its popularity has soared worldwide due to its accessibility and easier learning curve compared to similar sports. Jorge Chacon, head coach at Ascaro Padel and Social Club, describes it as "a game that's easy to pick up yet offers strategic depth."
"And once you start playing, it's hard to resist coming back for more," he added.
Chacon emphasized that padel isn't solely about physical prowess but also demands hand-eye coordination and fosters teamwork.
"With its predominant doubles format, it serves as a social catalyst," he remarked.
Another coach at the club, Justine Minesh, is dedicated to encouraging more locals to embrace the sport, having transitioned from being an enthusiastic tennis player to a padel advocate. She noted that children are particularly drawn to the game's enjoyable yet challenging nature.
"We aim to engage more youngsters, adolescents, and even seniors, especially those transitioning from tennis or badminton, who may not be able to play as vigorously anymore," Minesh stated.
In the past year, padel's popularity in the Klang Valley has surged, with a noticeable shift from predominantly expatriate to locally dominated player demographics, according to Ascaro Padel Club co-owner and managing director Daniel Liljekvist. He mentioned a diverse player base ranging from eight to 70 years old, totaling a few thousand participants, primarily aged between 20 and 45.
Liljekvist described the club's ambiance as akin to that of a country club, attributing it to its comprehensive facilities such as an outdoor gym, bar, and restaurant. He expressed intentions to expand its reach by attracting more players, involving schools, and hosting additional events to promote the sport.
"This is not merely a sports facility; it's a social hub where friendships flourish through shared activities," Liljekvist remarked, reflecting on the club's broader vision.
He credited the inspiration for the club's establishment to his admiration for similar social clubs in his native Sweden. Liljekvist highlighted the club's role in providing an alternative social venue, blending sports with socializing, rather than merely being a sports facility. Despite the emergence of competing padel centers, Liljekvist maintained an optimistic outlook, viewing it as a sign of the sport's growth rather than as direct competition.
"We view it positively; it's an indication of the sport's expanding popularity," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for players across different locations.
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