PADEL HISTORY
Padel is more than just a sport—it’s a way to connect, to grow, and to
build a strong community. Invented in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in
Acapulco, Mexico, padel has since become one of the fastest-growing
sports worldwide. With its inclusive nature and dynamic style of play,
padel welcomes players of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
At Padel Kosova, our mission is to develop and promote the sport of
padel throughout Kosovo and the region. We are committed to making the
game accessible to everyone—including youth, adults, and people with
disabilities, both women and men.
We aim to:
• Promote padel at all levels of play;
• Establish and structure official rules and ranking systems;
• Preserve the integrity, independence, and spirit of the sport;
• Serve as a trusted governing body through the Kosovo Padel Federation.
Padel is a sport that brings people together—and at Padel Kosova, you
are always welcome.
THE BIRTH OF PADEL IN KOSOVO
The Kosovo Padel Federation was officially established on August 28,
2021, in the city of Prizren. The pioneers and founding members of padel
in Kosovo, Mr. Besim Shulemaja and Mr. Jusuf Kika, were instrumental in
bringing this exciting new sport to the country.
Shortly after the federation was founded, Kosovo’s first padel center
was opened in Prishtina, marking a major milestone in the sport’s local
development.
Today, Kosovo is proud to be:
• A member of the Kosovo Olympic Committee;
• Affiliated with the International Padel Federation;
• Part of Padel Europe;
• Officially licensed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport of
Kosovo.
With strong foundations and international recognition, the Kosovo Padel
Federation is leading the way in establishing padel as a beloved
national sport.
Meet With ProMEET THE VISIONARIES BEHIND PADEL KOSOVA
Mr. Besim Shulemaja and Mr. Jusuf Kika are the pioneering minds who
introduced the sport of padel to Kosovo. With a shared passion for
innovation in sports and community development, they laid the foundation
for what has now become a growing and recognized sport across the
country.
Besim Shulemaja
Jusuf Kika
©️2021 Kosovo Padel Federation All Rights Reserved.