News & Stories
May 2, 2025
Pickleball is rapidly gaining traction in Vietnam, with the number of players nearly doubling since 2024 to an estimated 30,000. This surge in popularity has led to a growing number of dedicated courts, an increase in tournaments, and heightened interest from both grassroots enthusiasts and competitive athletes. However, while the sport is thriving, it also faces significant organizational hurdles that must be addressed to ensure its sustainable development.
The Rise of Pickleball in Vietnam
The expansion of pickleball in Vietnam has been remarkable. Each week, dozens of tournaments take place, ranging from small club events to high-profile competitions sponsored by major brands. The demand for equipment and apparel is also growing as more players enter the sport. Recognizing its business potential, brands have actively promoted pickleball, featuring international stars such as Quang Duong, currently ranked sixth in the world, and former tennis legend Andre Agassi in exhibition matches and fan engagements.
The sport’s momentum continued into early 2025 with the inaugural National Pickleball Championship. Following the success of the 2024 Club Pickleball Championship, this event showcased Vietnam’s top talent, including thrilling matchups between leading Vietnamese tennis athletes Ly Hoang Nam and Si Boi Ngoc. Despite the absence of a national governing body, the championship was a milestone, drawing attention from sports authorities, investors, and sponsors eager to establish a more structured framework for the sport.
Organizational Challenges and Officiating Concerns
Despite pickleball’s rapid growth, its expansion has not been without obstacles. Issues surrounding tournament organization, officiating inconsistencies, and structural gaps have sparked discussions among players, officials, and fans alike.
At the 2025 National Pickleball Championship, officiating came under scrutiny when athlete Son Tung publicly criticized tournament referees. Although his actions were deemed inappropriate by event organizers, they highlighted widespread concerns about the consistency of officiating.
“The tournament still has some limitations, particularly in officiating, where many referees are new to the sport,” said Mac Xuan Tung, a pickleball specialist at the Sports Authority of Vietnam.
He further noted that “calls on whether the ball is in or out are still judged by the naked eye. Additionally, the playing fields and spectator stands are not yet up to standard.”
Beyond national-level events, grassroots competitions also face significant organizational challenges. Social media is flooded with complaints from players about poorly managed tournaments, inconsistent rule enforcement, and disputes over prize money. These challenges highlight the urgent need for a standardized governance system to improve officiating, enhance facilities, and ensure fair competition.
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Establishing a Formal Governance Structure
Recognizing the sport’s growing pains, Vietnamese sports officials are actively working toward establishing a formal governing body for pickleball. Plans include launching referee training programs, implementing clearer tournament regulations, and improving infrastructure for competitions.
“We have set up a campaign committee and will submit a proposal to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in April to form a national pickleball federation, which will provide the necessary framework for the sport’s long-term development,” said Mac Xuan Tung.
With the establishment of a Vietnam Pickleball Federation, the sport can transition from its current grassroots-driven expansion to a more structured and sustainable growth model. If successfully implemented, these efforts will position Vietnam as one of Asia’s key players in the global pickleball scene.
The Future of Pickleball in Vietnam
Despite its challenges, the future of pickleball in Vietnam looks promising. With increasing corporate sponsorship, a rising player base, and growing support from sports authorities, the sport is poised to become a staple in the country’s athletic landscape.
The formation of a Vietnam Pickleball Federation will be a crucial step toward improving tournament organization, officiating, and overall development. If these challenges are addressed effectively, Vietnam has the potential to become a powerhouse in the international pickleball community, setting an example for other nations looking to embrace this fast-growing sport.
