News & Stories
Apr 1, 2025
Hanoi, Vietnam – March 16, 2025 – Hanoi witnessed a landmark moment in its sports scene with the successful completion of the 1st Economic & Urban Newspaper Pickleball Tournament – 2025. Held at the Pickleball Complex of the Center for Culture - Information - Sports and Tourism of Cau Giay District, the event showcased the growing popularity of pickleball in Vietnam and set the stage for future competitions.
A Celebration of Sports and Community
The tournament was a key part of the activities commemorating the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Hanoi Party Committee. Organized by the Economic & Urban Newspaper in collaboration with the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports and the People’s Committee of Cau Giay District, the event aimed to promote sports, encourage public fitness, and strengthen community bonds.
During the opening ceremony on March 15, notable dignitaries attended, including Associate Professor Dr. Pham Minh Son, Director of the Academy of Journalism and Communication; Nguyen Gia Hung, Deputy Head of the Department of Journalism and Publishing; and Nguyen Thanh Loi, Editor-in-Chief of Economic & Urban Newspaper.
Speaking at the event, Nguyen Thanh Loi emphasized the tournament’s significance: “Through the tournament, we hope to encourage people to exercise, improve their health, and together build a healthy and united community.”
(Photo Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/soi-dong-giai-pickleball-bao-kinh-te-do-thi-lan-thu-i-2025-695874.html)
Record-Breaking Participation and High-Level Competition
With over 400 athletes registered across 10 competition categories, the tournament exceeded expectations. The diverse lineup of events ensured inclusivity, catering to various age groups and skill levels.
Key categories included:
Amateur Men’s Doubles (Under 40 & Over 40 years old)
Amateur Women’s Doubles (Under 35 & Over 35 years old)
Amateur Mixed Doubles (Under 35 & Over 35 years old)
Open Men’s Singles
Open Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles
With a total prize pool exceeding 200 million VND, athletes competed fiercely in 407 intense matches over two days, delivering thrilling performances that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
(Photo Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/soi-dong-giai-pickleball-bao-kinh-te-do-thi-lan-thu-i-2025-695874.html)
Closing Ceremony: Honoring the Champions
The closing ceremony on March 16 was a moment of pride and celebration. Nguyen Thanh Loi, serving as the tournament’s Head of the Organizing Committee, praised the event’s impact: “The success of the tournament creates a useful playground for Hanoi Pickleball athletes in particular and the whole country in general.” He also highlighted the role of the Economic & Urban Newspaper in promoting cultural and sporting activities in Hanoi.
Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, Pham Xuan Tai, remarked on the event’s significance in boosting grassroots sports: “Pickleball is gaining traction in Vietnam, and tournaments like these are crucial in building a strong foundation for high-performance athletes.”
(Photo Source: https://vtv.vn/the-thao/be-mac-giai-pickleball-bao-kinh-te-va-do-thi-20250317161205767.htm)
Meet the Champions
After two days of intense matches, the tournament concluded with the crowning of champions in both amateur and open categories:
Amateur Division Winners:
Men’s Doubles Under 40: Thai Hoa Binh - Le Quang Thang
Men’s Doubles Over 40: Ho Hoang Viet - Nguyen Ba Quynh
Women’s Doubles Under 35: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Ha - Nguyen Thi Thanh
Women’s Doubles Over 35: Pham Ngoc Lan - Do Thi Nam
Mixed Doubles Under 35: Nguyen Phuong Anh - Nguyen Duc Cuong
Mixed Doubles Over 35: Ho Hoang Viet - Bui Thi Lan Huong
(Photo Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/be-mac-giai-pickleball-bao-kinh-te-do-thi-lan-thu-i-2025-695985.html)
Open Division Winners:
Men’s Doubles: Ta Hong Dung - Tran Anh Tu
Women’s Doubles: Tran Dieu Linh - Vu Huong Lan
Mixed Doubles: Tran Anh Tu - Nguyen Thi Xuan Hoa
Men’s Singles: Nguyen Viet Hoang
(Photo Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/be-mac-giai-pickleball-bao-kinh-te-do-thi-lan-thu-i-2025-695985.html)
A Bright Future for Pickleball in Vietnam
With its enthusiastic participation, seamless organization, and high-level competition, the 1st Economic & Urban Newspaper Pickleball Tournament has paved the way for the sport’s expansion in Hanoi and beyond. The success of this inaugural event signals exciting times ahead for pickleball in Vietnam, as more athletes and enthusiasts embrace this fast-growing sport.
As pickleball continues to gain popularity, tournaments like this will be instrumental in fostering a competitive yet inclusive sporting culture in Vietnam. The future of pickleball in Hanoi looks promising, and this historic event is just the beginning!
