Rapid rise of pickleball in Vietnam marked by growing pains in organization

   While Vietnam's pickleball scene is expanding rapidly, driven by increased participation and tournaments, the sport grapples with organizational flaws and disputes over officiating.

   Pickleball has seen remarkable growth in Vietnam over the past year, with the number of players nearly doubling since 2024 to an estimated 30,000.

   The surge in popularity has led to a growing number of courts and a significant increase in both grassroots and competitive tournaments.

   Experts report that dozens of pickleball tournaments -- ranging from casual club events to brand-sponsored competitions -- are held weekly across the country, underscoring the sport's rising status in Vietnam's recreational and competitive sports culture.

   This surge in interest has also driven demand for equipment and apparel.

   Recognizing the business potential, brands have actively promoted the sport, bringing in international stars like Quang Duong, currently ranked sixth in the world, and former tennis legend Andre Agassi for exhibitions and fan interactions.

   The momentum continued in early March with the launch of the first National Pickleball Championship, following promising signs from the 2024 Club Pickleball Championship.

   The event featured top athletes from various clubs, including standout matches between leading Vietnamese tennis players Ly Hoang Nam and Si Boi Ngoc.

   Despite the absence of a national governing body, the championship marked a significant milestone for pickleball in Vietnam.

   Its increasing popularity is attracting support from sports authorities, investors, and sponsors, paving the way for more structured development.

   Officiating and management challenges

   However, with rapid expansion comes growing pains.

   Some developments have sparked debates, including concerns over revealing attire, the blending of various sports elements, and disputes over tournament prize money and officiating standards.

   At the recent 2025 National Pickleball Championship, athlete Son Tung publicly criticized the referees and organizers, though his conduct did not align with tournament protocols.

   Organizers acknowledged shortcomings, including a lack of experienced referees and challenges in making accurate line calls.

   "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.

   "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."

   While national-level competitions face structural hurdles, grassroots events often struggle even more with organization.

   Social media platforms are frequently flooded with complaints from players about poorly managed tournaments.

   To address these issues, sports officials are working toward formalizing the sport's governance.

   Plans include referee training programs, clearer tournament regulations, and the establishment of a Vietnam Pickleball Federation.

   "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.

Bao Anh - Quang Thinh / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/03/17-12:05)