McDonald’s serves up a smash with Padel tie-up

MUMBAI: McDonald’s India (West & South), operated by Westlife Foodworld, is swapping fries for forehands with a new partnership that aims to fuel India’s next sporting wave, Padel.

In collaboration with the Indian Padel Academy (IPA), McDonald’s is stepping off the menu and onto the court to boost infrastructure, coaching, and tournaments for one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

Known for its mix of teamwork, agility, and accessibility, padel is fast finding its footing in India. This initiative marks McDonald’s next big serve in community development, extending its global tradition of supporting sports, from the Olympics to local playgrounds, into India’s grassroots scene.

“At McDonald’s India, we’ve always believed in bringing people together through shared experiences. Sport is a natural extension of that belief,” said Westlife Foodworld CEO Akshay Jatia. “Through this partnership with the Indian Padel Academy, we hope to inspire young people to dream bigger, play stronger, and grow together.”

The collaboration aims to make padel facilities more accessible to children, pairing them with top coaches and nurturing values like teamwork and discipline. “India is ready for the next chapter in padel,” added Padel Park India co-founder Nikhil Sachdev. “Together with McDonald’s, we’re building a strong and inclusive community that gives young players the chance to go global.”

Serving more than just meals, McDonald’s India continues to deliver on its promise of community and connection, this time, one rally at a time.