Air France sponsors training for Kenyan padel players

Kenyan Padel players acquired new skills and techniques following a three-day intensive training event conducted by globally celebrated coach Fede Vivas Ribas and supported by Air France.
The training by Ribas titled the ‘Nairobi Padel Stage’ provided Kenyan players with an invaluable opportunity to enhance their skills under the guidance of one of the sport’s most respected figures.
Speaking after the training, the prestigious First Grade Padel Master Trainer designation from Adidas International coach said Kenya will soon be a leading Padel destination in the continent.
“I am pleased to see the enthusiasm and potential of Kenyan players, and I am now confident that with the right training and support, the country could become a leading padel destination in Africa,” he said.
Air France’s support highlights the airline’s dedication to promoting sports as a tool for community building and cross-cultural exchange.
“We are proud to play a role in the development of padel in Kenya and to bring international expertise to local players. This initiative aligns with our mission to connect global communities and support their aspirations,” Hildabeta Amiani, the Air France-KLM County Sales Manager for Kenya stated.
Padel Kenya, the club that facilitated the training, commenced operations in March 2023, and it has since then overseen the sport’s growth from three Courts to around 45.
The Padel community has also grown tremendously, reaching 2,500 members in Padel Kenya alone.
Padel, a dynamic racket sport originating from Mexico, has been rapidly gaining popularity worldwide and now boasts more than 25 million active players across 90 countries.
Played on an enclosed court with walls, padel incorporates elements of tennis and squash, featuring unique rules and techniques that make it an exciting and accessible sport for players of all ages.
According to the International Padel Federation (FIP), the sport is now worth €2 billion (KSh267b) globally.