By World Padel News **Dioni Ugalde Reflects on the Padel Boom During the Pandemic**
The global pandemic brought countless challenges, but it also led to unexpected shifts in various industries. One such sector that witnessed remarkable growth during this period was padel. Dioni Ugalde, a prominent figure in the sport, recently shared his insights on the rapid rise of padel during the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding light on the factors that contributed to its popularity.
According to Ugalde, the combination of lockdowns and social distancing measures pushed people to seek new forms of exercise and recreational activities. Padel, with its relatively simple setup and social nature, became an attractive option. “[Padel] offers the perfect balance of competition and companionship,” he stated, explaining how it lured individuals who were previously unfamiliar with the game.
He noted that many clubs reported an increase in membership and court bookings. Ugalde emphasized the idea that the pandemic led to an “overestimation” of padel’s growth. While the upsurge in interest was substantial, he cautioned that sustainability is essential for the sport’s future. He urged clubs and organizations to work on retaining new players and ensuring a positive experience to keep them engaged long-term.
Ugalde also addressed the importance of infrastructure development. As demand for courts soared, it became crucial to ensure that new facilities are built to accommodate the growing player base. “Investment in quality facilities is vital,” he asserted, encouraging stakeholders to create environments that foster both competitive and recreational play.
In summary, Dioni Ugalde’s reflections on the pandemic-driven expansion of padel highlight the sport’s potential but also underline the need for strategic planning to maintain momentum. As the world gradually moves beyond the pandemic, the challenge lies in ensuring that padel not only retains its new players but also continues to grow and thrive in the years to come.