The organizers have spoken out.

Today (March 9th), the organizing committee of the 2025 National Pickleball Championship issued the following official announcement: "The organizing committee always upholds the spirit of fair play and hopes that all athletes and spectators maintain a calm and proper attitude while watching and competing. This morning (March 9th), the organizing committee held an emergency meeting with the management board to address issues that arose during the tournament last night (March 8th). At the same time, security measures have been strengthened to ensure that today's matches proceed smoothly, professionally, and fairly. Let's work together to create an explosive final day of competition, while remaining civilized and respectful of each other."

Athlete Vu Son Tung caused a stir when he argued with the referee supervisor at the 2025 National Pickleball Championship.

PHOTO: DUONG CAO KAWIN CLUB

On the previous day of competition, an incident occurred where athlete Vu Son Tung, after losing his match, went to the referee's room to express his frustration with the referee supervisor for not performing his duties properly and affecting the match. Specifically, Vu Son Tung claimed that the supervisor interfered improperly in the in/out decision. Furthermore, when a fan behaved in a way that irritated the athlete during the match, the athlete complained to the referee and supervisor, requesting that the fan be removed, but was refused. The athlete from Hai Phong used disrespectful language when speaking with the supervisor. A video clip of the incident was shared on many pickleball forums, leaving mixed reactions.

Athlete Vu Son Tung competes at the 2025 National Pickleball Championship.

PHOTO: DUONG CAO KAWIN CLUB

What did Vu Son Tung admit?

Speaking to Thanh Nien newspaper today, Mr. Mac Xuan Tung - head of the pickleball department of the Vietnam Sports Department, and a member of the organizing committee - said: "This morning, the organizing committee, the tournament's executive board, along with representatives from Duong Cao Kawin Club, athlete Vu Son Tung, and the referee supervisor, sat down to discuss the matter in a spirit of reconciliation, learning from experience, and sharing to bring success to the new sport of pickleball. Athlete Vu Son Tung admitted to using inappropriate language due to frustration with the referee supervisor. The referee supervisor also stated that they will learn from the experience to do better. Everything has been resolved amicably."

Athlete Vu Son Tung continued to compete in the men's doubles U.19+ category, partnering with Dinh Ba Trong to advance to the semi-finals before being eliminated by the pair Phuc Huynh/Vinh Hien. The 2025 National Pickleball Championship also concluded today with an overwhelming victory for the athletes of D-Joy Club.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vu-vdv-vu-son-tung-buc-xuc-o-giai-pickleball-quoc-gia-ban-to-chuc-len-tieng-185250309132806868.htm