700 athletes compete for pickleball prize with prize money of more than 1 billion VND

This is a large-scale sporting event organized by the Sports Department of Vietnam Television and TD Media, under the professional direction of the Vietnam Department of Physical Education and Sports and in coordination with Vietcontent.

700 athletes will compete in 11 different categories, including: open doubles (men's doubles, mixed doubles); amateur doubles under 35 and over 35 (men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles); and special categories for artists, businesspeople, and celebrities.

The total prize money exceeds 1 billion VND, with individual prizes ranging from 5 to 60 million VND, along with trophies, medals, and gifts from sponsors. The MVP (Most Valuable Player) will receive a prize of 20 million VND.

"Pickleball is not just an entertainment sport, but has become a place to connect communities, spread a healthy lifestyle, and create positive values for society," said Mr. Nguyen Thanh Lam, General Director of Vietnam Television, at the opening ceremony.

This year's tournament attracted special attention with the participation of many athletes, artists, and famous personalities such as the Quang Duong - Bao Duong brothers, young talent Truong Vinh Hien, Sophia Phuong Anh, Minh Quan, Dat "tro", Dac Tien, Ngoc Trieu, Nguyen Anh Thang, as well as businesswoman Le Bach Hop, singer Ha Le, beauty queen Vu Thuy Quynh, MC Vo Thanh Trung, Ngo Chi Lan, actor Chi Nhan, and former football player Do Thi Ngoc Cham.

The most notable highlight of this year's tournament is the application of IRS (Instant Replay System) technology, the first time it has been implemented at a Pickleball tournament in Vietnam. MK Vision, the technology partner, deployed a state-of-the-art system with 10 high-resolution cameras covering the entire playing area.

Matches are organized according to the internationally recognized USA Pickleball Rules. In addition to the official matches, spectators also have the opportunity to participate in many experiential activities and sports events for the community and families.

Most notably, there was a charity auction featuring a tennis racket signed by the Quang Duong - Bao Duong brothers. All proceeds will be donated to the Vietnamese Heart Foundation - the organization directly operating the "Heart for Children" program of Vietnam Television - to support underprivileged children with congenital heart disease.