Uganda’s padel scene got a boost over the weekend as the Betika Smash 3.0 competition brought together the country’s best players, a passionate crowd, and Shs4 million in prizes.
Betika, one of Africa’s leading sports betting and entertainment brands, joined forces with Smash Padel to host the Betika Smash 3.0 Padel Competition over a thrilling three-day weekend at the Smash Padel Arena in Kampala.
The tournament featured 133 high-intensity games, with Uganda’s top padel players competing for glory in front of an energetic and passionate crowd.
Fans flocked to the arena, contributing to an electric atmosphere and showcasing the growing popularity of the sport in Uganda.
In recognition of talent and performance, Betika awarded Shs4 million in cash prizes across various categories.
“At Betika, we believe in fueling passion for sport, building community, and creating opportunities for talent to shine. Padel is a growing sport in Uganda, and we’re proud to have been the first to sponsor such a unique competition,” said Desire Akanduhura, marketing lead at Betika Uganda.
Darshil Shah, Founder of Smash Padel, praised the event’s success: “The energy from the players and fans was unmatched, and with Betika’s support, we were able to make this event bigger and better than ever.”
Tournament winner Erik, competing at the 4+ level, described the moment as “amazing,” adding: “The competition was tough, the crowd gave us so much energy, and with Betika’s support, we felt recognised and rewarded. It’s incredible to see padel growing in Uganda, and we’re proud to be part of this journey.”
Betika’s sponsorship of Smash 3.0 reflects its long-term vision of empowering sports across Uganda, from mainstream disciplines like football and rugby to emerging sports such as padel.
Both Betika and Smash Padel are committed to growing the game and making it accessible to more Ugandans, paving the way for future collaborations.
