Padel, currently the fastest-growing racket sport globally, is making a push to be included on the Olympic program for the first time at the 2032 Brisbane Games. The sport's international profile continues to expand, with top players from around the globe recently competing for gold at the Padel World Cup in Doha.
Padel's Olympic ambition
NewsFeed
Padel’s Olympic ambition
Padel is the fastest growing racket sport in the world, and is pushing to make its Olympic debut at the Brisbane Games in 2032. Al Jazeera’s Tom Sizeland was at the Padel World Cup in Doha, where the world’s best players are competing for gold.
Published On 5 Nov 2026
A jury at London’s Southwark Crown Court returned the convictions against the 51-year-old former broadcaster following a criminal trial where prosecutors characterized him as a ruthless predator. The entertainer maintained his innocence throughout proceedings, arguing that all sexual encounters were consensual or entirely fabricated. He now remains in custody awaiting formal sentencing scheduled for early next week.
The verdict follows a three-week trial at Southwark Crown Court involving allegations from six female complainants spanning a decade. The proceedings highlighted a severe contrast between the celebrity's past media persona and the graphic, harrowing accounts detailed by his victims. The convictions on multiple sexual offenses mark a definitive legal reckoning after years of scrutiny regarding his conduct between 1999 and 2009.
The British judicial system has concluded proceedings against the public figure, resulting in convictions across multiple serious charges. The legal outcome marks a major development regarding allegations that have surrounded the prominent entertainer. Full determinations regarding the legal repercussions and punishment remain pending as the court concludes its findings.