<![CDATA[Padel is rapidly developing as a lifestyle sport that is closely associated with the modern image and social identity of urban society. However, studies that view padel as a social phenomenon are still limited, especially in Lampung. Aims: This study aims to analyze public perception of "contemporary" sports through the phenomenon of the development of padel as a new lifestyle in Lampung. Methods: The study used a descriptive quantitative approach by involving 250 respondents who actively played or participated in padel coaching in Lampung. Samples were obtained through purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected using a closed questionnaire that contained five aspects, namely socio-economic profile, acceptance and interest levels, healthy lifestyles, community roles, and perceptions of "contemporary" sports. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of percentages. Results: Padel players are dominated by the productive age group of 26–35 years old (53.4%) with the most professions as entrepreneurs (51.2%). The acceptance rate is relatively high, shown by respondents who are very interested after the first try (83.3%) and intend to continue playing (82.9%). Health benefits were the main reason (70.7%), while the influence of friends and community was the most dominant factor (85.7%). As many as 70% of respondents considered padel to be very popular and 66.7% believed that padel would become a new lifestyle, although only 58.5% viewed it as a long-term lifestyle. Conclusion: The public's perception of padel as a "contemporary" sport is not only related to popularity, but also reflects the relationship between health, social interaction, economic capacity, and modern identity, so that padel functions as a marker of status and symbolic capital. Its sustainability depends on the ability to reach the wider community.]]>
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