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The Sport That Stings: Pickleball’s Painful Path to Popularity in Vietnam

While Vietnam's pickleball scene is burgeoning, with a surge in participation and tournaments, it is not without its growing pains. The sport is currently grappling with organizational challenges and disputes over officiating, which threaten to dampen its rising popularity.

Administrator

20 March, 2025

Pickleball has experienced an extraordinary surge in popularity in Vietnam over the past year, with participant numbers skyrocketing to an estimated 30,000—almost double the figure from 2024.

This rapid growth has spurred the development of new courts and a significant uptick in both grassroots engagement and competitive tournaments.

According to experts, Vietnam now hosts dozens of pickleball tournaments each week, ranging from laid-back club events to high-profile, brand-sponsored competitions. This diverse array of events underscores the sport’s growing prominence within the country’s recreational and competitive sports landscape.

The rising enthusiasm for pickleball has also fueled a corresponding demand for equipment and specialized apparel.

Seizing the opportunity, brands have proactively promoted the sport by hosting exhibitions and fan interactions featuring international stars like Quang Duong, a global top-six player, and the legendary former tennis player, Andre Agassi.

The positive momentum continued with the inaugural National Pickleball Championship in early March, building on the success of the 2024 Club Pickleball Championship.

This landmark event showcased the skills of top athletes from various clubs, including standout matches between prominent Vietnamese tennis players Ly Hoang Nam and Si Boi Ngoc.

Despite the sport’s lack of a national governing body in Vietnam, the championship represented a significant milestone, attracting support from sports authorities, investors, and sponsors who are keen to foster its structured development.

Challenges in Officiating and Management

However, alongside the rapid expansion, there have been some growing pains.

Certain developments have sparked debates and concerns, including the appropriateness of attire, the blending of sports elements, and disputes over tournament prize funds and officiating standards.

During the 2025 National Pickleball Championship, for example, athlete Son Tung publicly voiced criticism of the referees and organizers, despite his deviation from tournament protocols.

The organizers acknowledged areas for improvement, including the need for more experienced referees and the challenge of making precise line calls, given the sport’s rapid evolution.

“While we’ve made great strides, there are still limitations, especially in officiating, as many referees are new to the sport,” shared Mac Xuan Tung, a pickleball specialist at the Sports Authority of Vietnam. “Calls on ball placement are still made by the naked eye, and our playing fields and spectator stands need improvements to meet international standards.”

While national-level competitions grapple with structural challenges, grassroots events often face even greater organizational hurdles.

Social media platforms echo with complaints from players about poorly managed tournaments, highlighting the need for better governance and organization.

To address these concerns, sports officials are taking steps towards formalizing the sport’s governance. This includes plans for referee training programs, clearer tournament regulations, and the establishment of a Vietnam Pickleball Federation to provide a much-needed framework for the sport’s long-term growth and sustainability.

“We are committed to elevating this sport,” asserted Mac Xuan Tung. “Our campaign committee will soon submit a proposal to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to establish a national pickleball federation, ensuring that pickleball receives the recognition and support it deserves in Vietnam.”