In this episode of “The Joy of Padel,” host Minter Dial converses with Calle Åkesson, the general secretary of the Swedish Padel Federation. Calle shares his journey from a sports enthusiast to a pivotal figure in the Swedish padel scene. He discusses the rapid growth and subsequent consolidation of padel in Sweden, highlighting the challenges faced by entrepreneurs during the pandemic. Calle emphasizes the importance of collaboration between commercial venues and nonprofit clubs to foster the sport’s development. Additionally, he outlines the Federation’s efforts to cultivate top players and expand grassroots participation, aiming for long-term success in international competitions.
