TL;DR
- Women’s padel in Pakistan is experiencing explosive growth, with dedicated national tournaments, official rankings, and increasing female participation across Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.
- Female players are achieving international recognition, including representing Pakistan at the FIP Asia Cup 2025 and competing in international tournaments.
- Ladies-only coaching sessions are now available at major venues like Legends Arena’s Shamsi Padel Academy, providing a comfortable learning environment for women and girls.
- Pakistan’s top-ranked female players include Natalia Zaman, Natasha Zaman, Meheq Khokhar, and Asfa Shahbaz, who have dominated national championships and ranking events.
- Padel is breaking traditional sports barriers in Pakistan, with women; mothers, daughters, colleagues, and friends, claiming space in a sport that was once male-dominated.
It is getting dark in Lahore, the floodlights are buzzing, the air is thick with late-summer humidity. On a glass-walled court, four friends are locked in a rally so intense it could soundtrack a Netflix montage. One is in sleek athleisure, another in a shalwar qamees with trainers hastily laced, and the other two are laughing so hard mid-point they nearly miss the ball.
That is padel for you, a sport that has turned competition into comedy, sweat into social currency, and evenings into something worth looking forward to.
And perhaps most significantly, padel has become a game where women are not just participants, but leaders. The inclusiveness has been refreshing: women long kept to the sidelines of Lahore’s competitive sports are here in force. Mothers, daughters, friends, colleagues; all in sneakers, claiming space that once was not theirs.
This guide covers everything you need to know about padel for females in Pakistan; the best courts, coaching options, community initiatives, and how you can join the fastest-growing sport in the country.
Why Padel Is Perfect for Women
From its low-impact design to its natural social dynamics, padel checks every box for women looking to stay active without the intimidation of traditional racket sports. Whether you are playing for fitness, friendship, or competition, padel welcomes you exactly as you are.
A Sport Designed for Everyone
Padel is inherently more accessible than tennis. The court is smaller, the rackets are lighter, and the ball bounces predictably off the glass walls. Unlike tennis, which demands years of drill, padel offers instant gratification. You start with chaos, and within a few matches, you are hooked.
Health and Fitness Benefits
The benefits of playing padel for females are numerous:
Benefit | How Padel Delivers |
Cardiovascular fitness | Constant movement and rallies keep heart rate elevated |
Low-impact exercise | Less joint stress than running or tennis |
Strength building | Engages core, arms, and legs through shots and movement |
Coordination and reflexes | Rapid rallies improve hand-eye coordination |
Mental wellness | Social interaction and physical activity reduce stress |
Social and Community Aspects
Padel is social by nature. It is always played in doubles, meaning you are never alone on the court. This makes it particularly appealing for women who want to combine fitness with friendship. As one observer noted, padel has turned competition into comedy and sweat into social currency.
Pakistan’s Top Female Padel Players
Pakistan now has a growing roster of talented female players who are putting the country on the international padel map. Here are the names you need to know.
Natalia Zaman
Natalia Zaman is currently Pakistan’s top-ranked female padel player. She holds the #1 spot in the Pakistan Women’s Category with an impressive 900 ranking points. She is also a Pakistan Women’s Category Champion and has represented Pakistan on the international stage.
Natasha Zaman
Natasha Zaman has made history as the first woman in Pakistan to achieve multiple milestones in padel. She is a National Champion in the Women’s 35+ Category, holds the #1 Pakistan Women’s 35+ Rank, and represented Pakistan at the FIP Asia Cup 2025 in Doha, Qatar.
The Zaman Family Legacy
In a remarkable achievement, the Zaman family has created history in Pakistan padel. Natasha Zaman, her son Samer Zaman (Under-18 National Champion and #1 Pakistan Under-18 Rank), and her daughter Natalia Zaman (Pakistan Women’s Category Champion and #1 Pakistan Women’s Rank) have all achieved national titles. This reflects the dedication, passion, and hard work that is driving the sport’s growth in Pakistan.
Other Notable Players
Player Name | Achievement |
Meheq Khokhar | Women’s Doubles Champion, Pakistan Padel Ranking Cup 2026 |
Asfa Shahbaz | Women’s Doubles Champion, Pakistan Padel Ranking Cup 2026; National Champion |
Shiza Sajid | Women’s Open National Champion, Inaugural National Padel Championship |
Asifa Shahbaz | Women’s Open National Champion, Inaugural National Padel Championship |
Safinah Danish Elahi | Women’s Category ranked #2, FIP Asia Cup team captain |
Neha Adnan Khan | Women’s Category ranked #2 |
Sana Sohail Tabba | Women’s Category ranked #4 |
International Representation
Pakistan’s women’s national team has represented the country at the FIP Asia Cup 2025 in Doha, Qatar. The team comprised Safina Danish Elahi (Captain), Mehak Tehrani, Natasha Zaman, Sehr Beg, Aqsa Shahbaz, Sheeza Sajid, and Asfa Khalid. Their participation marked a significant milestone for women’s padel in Pakistan.
Best Padel Courts for Women in Pakistan
1. Legends Arena – DHA Phase 5, Lahore
Location: Street No. 10, G Sector G Phase 5 D.H.A, Lahore
Legends Arena is a purpose-built, high-performance sports destination with indoor and shaded padel courts, futsal fields, multipurpose turfs, and structured academies. It is designed for serious athletes and a growing community.
Why It Is Great for Women:
- Ladies-only sessions with a female coach available
- Premium Mondo turf courts
- Safe, family-friendly environment
- On-site parking and amenities
Coaching: Home to the Shamsi Padel Academy, Pakistan’s only internationally certified padel coaching academy, affiliated with Vest Padel Academy in Spain.
2. Padel Park Lahore – DHA Phase 5
Location: Next to DHA Security Office, Block M, Phase 5
Padel Park is one of the most highly-rated premium spots in DHA, offering international-standard courts and a great post-match hangout vibe.
Why It Is Great for Women:
- 24/7 availability
- Clean, safe, family-friendly environment
- Bank discounts available (up to 50%)
- Active female player community
Community Verdict: “Every experience I’ve had playing Padel has been enjoyable. We’ve made great memories in a safe, family-friendly space.”
3. PADELIN Pakistan – DHA Phase 5
Location: M Block Service Lane, Ring Road, Phase 5
PADELIN is known as one of the largest indoor padel clubs in Pakistan. It is ideal for all-weather play, taking classes, and entering local competitions.
Why It Is Great for Women:
- Indoor courts, perfect for Lahore’s summers
- Professional coaching sessions
- Year-round tournaments
- First and largest padel community in Pakistan
Background: Established by international investors, PADELIN is the largest padel franchise in the Middle East and has introduced the Padel IN Academy with professional coaching for all levels.
4. Padel Cafe – DHA Phase 6
Location: DHA Phase 6, Lahore
Padel Cafe is a rising hotspot in Lahore’s sports scene, offering a unique mix of coaching, competition, and community. It is not just a padel venue, it is a lifestyle experience.
Why It Is Great for Women:
- Welcoming environment for beginners
- Expert coaches for women’s padel coaching
- Café and social atmosphere
- Family-friendly culture
Best For: Beginners, social play, and women looking for a relaxed introduction to the sport.
5. Sport On – Clifton, Karachi
Location: Clifton, Karachi
Sport On in Clifton was the venue for the Pakistan Padel Ranking Cup 2026, which drew the country’s leading players in the men’s, women’s, and junior categories.
Why It Is Great for Women:
- Hosted national women’s tournaments
- Professional courts
- Active Karachi padel community
6. Maidan – Karachi
Location: Karachi
Maidan was the venue for the Pakistan Padel Ranking Cup 2025 (2nd Edition), featuring 31 men’s teams, 16 women’s teams, and 16 mixed teams. The tournament reflected the rapid rise of padel in Pakistan.
Why It Is Great for Women:
- Hosted women’s and mixed doubles tournaments
- Strong female participation
- Growing community
Why Women’s Padel Coaching Matters
For women who are new to sports or returning after a break, having a comfortable learning environment is essential. Women’s padel coaching programs offer:
- Female coaches (available at select venues)
- Ladies-only sessions
- Small group sizes for individual attention
- A judgement-free learning environment
Shamsi Padel Academy – Legends Arena
Location: Legends Arena, DHA Phase 5, Lahore
Shamsi Padel Academy is Pakistan’s largest and only internationally certified padel academy, affiliated with Vest Padel Academy in Spain. All coaches are globally certified, delivering top-tier instruction for all levels.
Programs Offered:
- Group sessions and semi-private lessons
- Beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels
- Dedicated ladies-only sessions with a female coach
- Inclusive programs for juniors and adults
Facilities: Train on premium courts at Legends Arena (DHA Phase 5) and Cross Court (Clifton Block 5), designed to international standards.
PADELIN Academy
PADELIN introduced its academy to provide professional coaching sessions and specific programs for the youth, led by experienced coaches.
Programs Offered:
- Professional coaching for all levels
- Youth programs
- Women-friendly environment
Padel Cafe Coaching
Padel Cafe offers expert coaches in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The combination of professional guidance and a social vibe make it ideal for beginners and women looking to learn in a comfortable setting.
What to Expect in a Padel Coaching Session
Session Element | Description |
Warm-up | Light stretching and movement |
Technique drills | Grip, strokes, volleys, serves |
Tactical play | Positioning, teamwork, strategy |
Match play | Applying skills in game situations |
Cool-down | Stretching and feedback |
Tournaments and Competitive Opportunities for Women
Pakistan now hosts regular women’s padel tournaments, including the Pakistan Padel Ranking Cup and the National Padel Championship, offering ranking points, prize money, and a pathway to international competition. These events have attracted top female players from across the country and are helping build a competitive pipeline for women’s padel in Pakistan.
Pakistan Padel Ranking Cup
The Pakistan Padel Ranking Cup is a major national tournament organized by the Pakistan Padel Federation (PPF) under the auspices of the International Padel Federation (FIP). The tournament features men’s, women’s, and junior categories.
2026 Edition Highlights:
- Women’s Doubles Champions: Meheq Khokhar and Asfa Shahbaz
- Location: Sport On, Clifton, Karachi
- Prize money, trophies, and ranking points awarded
- Selection for upcoming international events
2025 Edition Highlights:
- Women’s Category Winners: MUV Team (Mehak Tehrani & Asfa Shahbaz)
- 16 women’s teams participated
National Padel Championship
The Pakistan Padel Federation organized the inaugural National Padel Championship, marking a landmark moment for the sport’s formal recognition in Pakistan. The event was sanctioned by the Pakistan Sports Board and saw a robust turnout of over 100 players.
Women’s Category Highlights:
- Winners: Asifa Shahbaz and Shiza Sajid
- Prize Pool: PKR 3 million across all categories
- Women’s Prize: PKR 350,000 (winners), PKR 200,000 (runners-up)
International Representation
Pakistan’s women’s national team has represented the country at the FIP Asia Cup 2025 in Doha, Qatar. The team gained valuable experience competing against Asia’s best padel nations.
Padel as a Social and Community Movement
What sets padel apart is its unique ability to turn competition into connection; the doubles format ensures no one plays alone, and the social atmosphere extends well beyond the court. For women, this means finding not just a sport, but a supportive community of like-minded players who celebrate each other’s wins both on and off the court.
- Breaking Sports Barriers
Padel has become a rare moment in Pakistan’s culture, an activity where generations and genders mix . Women long kept to the sidelines of competitive sports are here in force. Mothers, daughters, friends, and colleagues; all in sneakers, claiming space that once was not theirs.
- A New Social Calendar
Once upon a not-so-distant Sunday, the highlight of the privileged Lahori’s week was a sundowner or a sprawling brunch. Now, those same people are trading mimosas for rallies. The crowd that was once stuck in boardroom malaise and back-to-back benders has found something better. Cue padel: aesthetic, performative, and yes, Instagrammable .
- Building Friendships Through Padel
Padel’s doubles format means you are always playing with a partner. This builds natural social connections. Whether you are playing with a friend, a colleague, or a stranger, the shared experience of a tight rally or a lucky shot creates bonds that extend beyond the court.
Upcoming Government and Private Initiatives
The Pakistan Sports Board is actively expanding padel infrastructure across the country, while private organizations like Legends Arena and the Pakistan Cricket Board are investing in courts and training programs that will make the sport more accessible to women and girls. These initiatives signal a promising future for women’s padel in Pakistan.
Pakistan Sports Board: Nationwide Court Development
The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has invited proposals under a Joint Venture/Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model to establish and operate padel tennis courts at its coaching centers in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. This initiative aligns with PSB’s broader vision of making optimal use of its infrastructure while promoting public participation in emerging sports.
Key Details:
- Locations: PSB Coaching Centre Lahore (Ferozepur Road), PSB Sports Complex Islamabad, PSB Coaching Centre Karachi
- Model: Joint Venture / Build Operate and Transfer (BOT)
- Objective: Provide modern, high-quality, and accessible padel courts to the general public
- Contract Term: Initial term of five years
- Financial Models: Bidders can offer either fixed monthly rent or revenue sharing with PSB
The PSB aims to make padel more accessible to sports enthusiasts from all backgrounds, as the sport remains relatively expensive in Pakistan’s private facilities. The upcoming 2025–26 federal budget is expected to include funding for these projects.
Pakistan Cricket Board: Padel Integrated into National Training
In a landmark decision, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made padel a mandatory part of training for national cricketers at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. The board has constructed dedicated padel courts at the NCA to eliminate the need for players to travel to private facilities.
Key Details:
- Mandatory Requirement: 40 minutes of padel every alternate day during long training camps
- Facility: Dedicated padel courts built at NCA, Lahore
- Purpose: Improve agility, reflexes, stamina, and fielding skills
- Future Plans: Additional sports facilities, including basketball courts and an indoor hall with snooker
The initiative was spearheaded by Director of High-Performance Aqib Javed, who believes padel can help players become fitter while making training more enjoyable.
Legends Arena Expansion
Legends Arena is expanding its footprint beyond Lahore and Karachi to Islamabad, launching Legends Padel Edition in the nation’s capital. The new location at Jinnah Boulevard, DHA 2, Islamabad aims to introduce padel to a new audience while reinforcing the mission of promoting inclusive and dynamic sports experiences nationwide.
Current Locations:
- Lahore: Street No. 10, G Sector G Phase 5 DHA
- Karachi: Stadium Lane 3, Khayaban-e-Mujahid, DHA Phase 5
- Islamabad: Jinnah Boulevard, DHA 2 (coming soon)
What These Initiatives Mean for Women’s Padel
Initiative | Impact for Women |
PSB Court Development | Affordable, accessible courts in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad—making the sport more inclusive for women from all backgrounds |
PCB Padel Integration | Brings mainstream visibility to padel and normalizes the sport for female athletes and aspiring players |
Legends Arena Expansion | More venues offering ladies-only sessions and professional coaching |
These initiatives collectively signal a future where padel is no longer a niche, expensive sport but a mainstream activity accessible to women across Pakistan.
How to Start Your Padel Journey
Starting with padel is simpler than you think. Here are the steps to get you on court:
Step 1: Find a Court Near You
Start with any of the recommended venues in Lahore or Karachi. Many offer flexible timings and beginner-friendly sessions.
Step 2: Get the Right Gear
Equipment | What You Need |
Padel racket | Lightweight, perforated, with a short handle |
Padel ball | Similar to a tennis ball but with slightly less pressure |
Footwear | Court shoes with good lateral support |
Comfortable clothing | Athletic wear suitable for movement |
Most venues offer racket rentals, so you can try before you buy.
Step 3: Book a Coaching Session
Contact a venue with women’s padel coaching programs:
- Legends Arena: Ladies-only sessions with a female coach
- Padel Cafe: Expert coaches in a welcoming environment
- PADELIN Academy: Professional coaching for all levels
Step 4: Join the Community
- Follow the Pakistan Padel Federation on social media
- Look for local tournaments and events
- Connect with other female players through community groups
Step 5: Play!
Padel is one of the few sports where you can have fun from the very first session. The learning curve is short, and the joy is immediate.
Quick Comparison Table: Best Padel Venues for Women in Pakistan
Venue | Location | Ladies-Only Sessions | Coaching Available | Key Feature |
Legends Arena | DHA Phase 5, Lahore | ✅ (with female coach) | ✅ (Shamsi Padel Academy) | Internationally certified coaching |
Padel Park Lahore | DHA Phase 5, Lahore | ❌ | ❌ | 24/7, bank discounts, safe environment |
PADELIN Pakistan | DHA Phase 5, Lahore | ✅ | ✅ (PADELIN Academy) | Largest indoor club |
Padel Cafe | DHA Phase 6 / Johar Town, Lahore | ❌ | ✅ | Social vibe, café, beginner-friendly |
Sport On | Clifton, Karachi | ❌ | ❌ | Tournament venue |
Maidan | Karachi | ❌ | ❌ | Ranking Cup venue |
Conclusion
Women’s padel in Pakistan is no longer a niche interest. It is a movement. From the historic achievements of the Zaman family to the growing number of women’s tournaments, coaching programs, and community events, padel is creating space for women to play, compete, and connect.
The benefits go beyond fitness, padel offers social connection, stress relief, and a sense of belonging. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned player, there has never been a better time to pick up a padel racket in Pakistan.
What you can do today:
- Visit a padel venue near you
- Book a ladies-only coaching session
- Follow the Pakistan Padel Federation for tournament updates
- Bring a friend and discover why padel is Pakistan’s fastest-growing sport
Ready to Play?
Whether you are picking up a racket for the first time or looking for competitive matches, Padel Cafe welcomes players of all levels. Join a welcoming community where women are claiming the court and loving every rally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is padel a good sport for women?
Yes. Padel is beginner-friendly, social, low-impact, and inclusive, making it an excellent choice for women of all ages and fitness levels. The sport has created safe, welcoming spaces where women can play, compete, and excel without barriers.
Can beginners play padel?
Absolutely. Most people can start playing the actual game within their first session. Padel requires no endless practice sessions, just grab a racket and go.
Where can women play padel in Pakistan?
Top venues include Legends Arena (DHA Phase 5, Lahore) which offers dedicated ladies-only sessions with a female coach, PADELIN Pakistan which has a private ladies’ area in its flagship location, and Padel Cafe (DHA Phase 6, Lahore) which provides a welcoming environment for all skill levels.
Is padel suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes. Padel is accessible to everyone, from complete beginners to competitive athletes. The compact court size, slower ball speed, and doubles format make it less physically demanding than tennis while still providing excellent cardiovascular benefits.
What should women wear for padel?
Comfortable athletic wear such as t-shirts, leggings, shorts, or tracksuits. Court shoes with good lateral support are essential for safety and performance. Most venues provide rackets and balls.
Is padel easier than tennis?
Yes, padel is significantly easier to pick up than tennis. The court is smaller, rackets are lighter, the ball bounces predictably off glass walls, and the game is played in doubles, which reduces the pressure on individual players.
Can women play mixed doubles in padel?
Yes. Padel is played exclusively in doubles and mixed doubles is a standard format. In official rules, the returner must be of the same sex as the server in mixed doubles. Mixed doubles is very common in social and competitive play.
How much does it cost to play padel in Pakistan?
Pricing varies by venue and timing. At Padel Cafe, off-peak rates range from Rs. 3,000–5,000/hour, while peak hours cost Rs. 4,000–7,000/hour. Other venues may have different pricing structures, check directly with the facility.


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