In a landmark development for Caribbean sports, the Royal Dominican Padel Federation (RFDP) has achieved formal integration into the International Padel Federation (FIP) and Padel America. This strategic affiliation, finalized during the 35th FIP Assembly in Acapulco, Mexico, positions the Dominican Republic among over 100 member federations worldwide, marking a transformative moment for the nation’s sporting landscape.
RFDP President Josep Isern heralded the achievement as a historic milestone that fundamentally integrates the Dominican Republic into padel’s global framework. This integration unlocks unprecedented opportunities for athletes, clubs, referees, and the broader sporting community, effectively connecting the nation to the sport’s international mainstream.
The affiliation grants the Dominican padel community access to internationally sanctioned competitions, official FIP ranking systems, and professional development programs for judges, coaches, and players. This access is expected to significantly elevate the standard of play and administrative expertise within the country.
This development coincides with padel’s explosive growth across the Dominican Republic. The sport has seen a remarkable surge in popularity in urban centers including Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Bávaro, and Santiago, characterized by a rapid increase in dedicated courts, active players, and competitive tournaments. This domestic boom, heavily fueled by strong visibility and engagement on social media platforms, has now been matched with formal international recognition.
The RFDP, as the national regulatory body for padel, oversees the racket sport that has captivated both young people and adults nationwide. This new international status is projected to strengthen the national high-performance pathway and pave the way for future Dominican success on the global padel stage.