Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the GCC, has announced a strategic partnership with the World Padel Academy (WPA), one of the region’s leading padel academies. The collaboration aims to build a community that embraces wellness and high sports performance, while encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle through the integration of medical care, nutrition, and physical fitness.
Under the partnership, Medcare and Aster Pharmacy will serve as the official Health and Wellness Partners of World Padel Academy. This marks the first collaboration of its kind within the WPA ecosystem, focused on enabling sports innovation, preventive healthcare, wellness solutions, and enhanced athletic performance through structured medical support.
Padel has witnessed rapid growth across the UAE, driven by strong government support, increased investment, and its inclusive, social nature. Dubai alone is home to more than 950 padel courts and around 300 padel clubs, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity. The partnership reflects Aster DM Healthcare’s continued commitment to supporting sports that promote physical fitness, community wellbeing, and preventive healthcare.
The partnership agreement was signed in the presence of senior management representatives from both Aster DM Healthcare and World Padel Academy. Through this collaboration, both organisations will work together to promote holistic health, improved athletic performance, and social wellbeing.
As part of the agreement, Aster DM Healthcare will provide year-round integrated healthcare and wellness services to WPA, including on-call physiotherapy, rehabilitation services, and recovery support during tournaments. Aster Pharmacy will also set up an on-court wellness kiosk at WPA locations in Dubai, offering sports nutrition products and wellness consultations. In addition, Aster will support friendly matches, monthly health check-ups, junior academy open days, and health-focused tournaments, while also collaborating on awareness programmes for children of determination and CSR initiatives.
Commenting on the partnership, Rahul Kadavakolu, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Aster DM Healthcare, said the collaboration reflects a shared vision of empowering communities through preventive care, fitness, and wellness. He noted that padel’s growing global recognition—including its inclusion in the Asian Games and consideration for the 2032 Olympic Games—underscores the importance of supporting the sport with scientifically backed medical services. By combining Aster’s healthcare expertise with WPA’s athlete and community network, the partnership aims to promote injury prevention, holistic wellbeing, and active, healthy living.
Ali Al Arif, CEO of World Padel Academy, said the partnership reinforces WPA’s commitment to personal wellbeing and athletic performance, both on and off the court. He added that the collaboration redefines how sports and healthcare can work together to inspire positive change and create healthier, more active communities.
The partnership sets a new benchmark for collaboration between the healthcare and sports sectors, strengthening preventive wellness initiatives, community engagement, and innovation in sports medicine, while contributing to a healthier future for society.
