News & Stories
Apr 6, 2025
In a move that’s rippling through Vietnam’s growing pickleball community, the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Pickleball Club has officially announced a competition ban for athlete Vu Son Tung, citing unsportsmanlike conduct during the 2025 National Pickleball Championship held in Ba Ria - Vung Tau.
The decision, signed on March 12 by Club President Nguyen Van Thu, clearly states: “Do not accept registration to compete in any event in the pickleball tournaments organized by the Vietnam Young Businessmen's Pickleball Club and local young businessmen's pickleball clubs from the date of signing the decision until the end of 2025 for athlete Vu Son Tung, due to his unprofessional behavior, affecting the sportsmanship at the 2025 national pickleball championship.”
A Controversial Incident at the Nationals
The controversy stems from an incident that unfolded after Vu Son Tung lost a match at the national championship. Frustrated with the officiating, the Hai Phong-based athlete reportedly confronted the referee supervisor in a heated exchange, criticizing a lack of intervention in a line call dispute.
Tensions escalated further when the athlete raised concerns about a disruptive fan during the match. After officials declined to remove the spectator, Son Tung reacted with inappropriate language—a moment that was caught on video and widely circulated across pickleball forums. The clip sparked mixed reactions online, reflecting both support for stricter officiating and disappointment in the athlete’s behavior.
Despite the tension, the organizing committee swiftly convened a meeting with all parties involved, seeking a collaborative resolution. The tone was conciliatory, focusing on learning and growing as a community. Son Tung admitted his response was out of line, citing emotional frustration. The referee supervisor, in turn, acknowledged room for improvement. The matter was peacefully settled, and Son Tung was allowed to continue competing in the tournament.
(Photo Source: https://www.vietnam.vn/en/clb-pickleball-doanh-nhan-tre-viet-nam-cam-vdv-vu-son-tung-thi-dau)
No Official Disciplinary Action—Yet
As of now, neither the national organizing committee nor the Department of Sports and Physical Training has issued formal disciplinary sanctions against the athlete. According to Mr. Mac Xuan Tung, head of the pickleball division at the department, “everything had been resolved at the tournament and the department would report the incident to the Department of Sports and Physical Training.”
However, the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Pickleball Club has taken an independent stance, emphasizing that its events are designed to promote a high standard of sportsmanship and camaraderie among young business leaders through pickleball. The club, which launched in February 2025 in Hanoi, serves as a national platform for young entrepreneurs to network, stay active, and share a passion for the sport.
At the launch event, Chairman Nguyen Van Thu highlighted an ambitious 2025 plan, stating the club aims to host quarterly pickleball tournaments and events across various provinces and cities to strengthen bonds within the entrepreneurial community.
Building a Culture of Respect in Pickleball
The decision to bar Vu Son Tung underscores a broader commitment to nurturing a respectful and inclusive pickleball environment in Vietnam. While the sport continues to grow rapidly in the region, so too does the responsibility of players, referees, and organizers to uphold the values that make pickleball more than just a game—fair play, mutual respect, and positive community spirit.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder: emotions can run high in competition, but it’s how we respond, learn, and move forward that shapes the future of the sport. As Vietnam’s pickleball scene continues to evolve, so too does the standard of professionalism expected both on and off the court.
