Ho Chi Minh City recently hosted an international pickleball tournament, showcasing Vietnam’s embrace of this newly adopted sport.

Last week, the athletes familiar to Vietnamese tennis fans such as Trinh Linh Giang, Sophia Huynh Tran Ngoc Nhi, and Truong Vinh Hien gathered at the Asia Open Pickleball Championships - Vietnam 2024, held at Ky Hoa II Sports Club in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. 

The tournament boasted over 400 registered athletes, including 190 international players representing 19 countries and territories, competing across various levels and age groups -- from 19 to 34 years old, 35 to 49 years old, and above 50 years old, with a total prize pool of up to US$30,000. 

This event signifies a milestone for pickleball in Vietnam, as noted by Truong Quang Vu, the tournament director.

The participation of 190 international athletes, including promising talents like Divyanshu Kataria from India, underscores the global appeal of the sport.

At 19 years old, Kataria has immersed himself in pickleball for over three years, expressing profound admiration for the caliber of the Ho Chi Minh City tournament. 

He noted its rigorous competition, diverse international participation, and impeccable organization. 

Highlighting the sport’s rising popularity in Asia and its inclusive nature, Kataria emphasized its enjoyable, accessible, and competitive aspects. 

He expressed hope that tournaments like this would draw more players across Asia to the sport.

Since its introduction to pickleball in 2018, Vietnam has seen a growing interest in the sport, particularly among professional tennis and table tennis players, with approximately 25 pickleball clubs now established nationwide.

Luong Tien Giang, a former professional tennis player of 10 years, shared his journey of transitioning to pickleball, praising its accessibility and family-friendly nature. 

“Pickleball is a great choice if you’re looking for a sport that’s enjoyable, accessible to all family members, and offers a light-hearted yet engaging experience,” remarked Giang.

Truong Quang Vu expressed optimism regarding the future of pickleball in Vietnam, spotlighting its rapid development and potential as a community sport and school program. 

Looking ahead, he revealed plans for pickleball’s inclusion in future Southeast Asian (SEA) Games editions, aiming for official recognition at the Olympic level, as proposed by the Asia Federation of Pickleball.

“According to the Asian Federation of Pickleball’s proposed plan, pickleball is slated to be featured as an experiential event at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, with plans for it to become an official competition at the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia,” Vu elaborated. 

“Our ambition is for pickleball to be part of the Olympic competition program within the next eight years.”

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