Grand Prize Opens the Future for Vietnamese Pickleball

The closing ceremony of the VTV AO Smith Pickleball Open 2025 concluded a 3-day journey of exciting competition with more than 700 athletes in 11 events.

The surprising results of the matches confirm the tournament's appeal. Photo: Organizing Committee.

With a total prize pool exceeding 1 billion VND, taking place at the large Happyland complex (Long Bien, Hanoi), and utilizing modern real-time video playback technology, the VTV AO Smith Pickleball Open 2025 is considered one of the tournaments that will help affirm the position of pickleball in Vietnamese sports .

In its very first year, the VTV AO Smith Pickleball Open demonstrated the scale and stature of a major sporting event co-organized by the Sports Department of Vietnam Television and TD Media, under the professional guidance of the Vietnam Sports Department, and in collaboration with Vietcontent.

Over the three days of the event, the Happyland complex attracted a large number of fans who came to watch the matches live, showcasing the competitions of professional athletes, influencers (KOLs), businesspeople, artists, and celebrities, creating an atmosphere that was both sporting and friendly, spreading inspiration.

Prominent figures such as Quang Duong - Bao Duong, young talents Truong Vinh Hien, Sophia Phuong Anh, Minh Quan, Dac Tien, Ngoc Trieu, Nguyen Anh Thang; artists and businesspeople such as the pair Phung Viet Nam - Le Bach Hop, champions in the Artist - Businessperson category; Yen Ngoc - Ba Ngoc, second place; and Ngo Dieu Linh - Nguyen Huu Tung, third place; singers Ha Le, My Dung, Quang Thang from the Hanoi Artists' Pickleball Club; beauty queen Vu Thuy Quynh; MC Vo Thanh Trung, Ngo Chi Lan; actor Chi Nhan; and former football players Nguyen Hong Son, Do Thi Ngoc Cham, Van Thi Thanh; and badminton player Pham Hong Nam… delivered high-quality, emotional matches full of sportsmanship.

These results demonstrate the professional quality of the participating athletes and also show the growing popularity of pickleball in Vietnam in recent years. At the Glow Pickleball Charity Night, player Quang Duong also shared his joy at witnessing the development of pickleball in Vietnam over the past few years.

Representatives from Vietnam Television present the award to the best athlete of the tournament. Photo: Organizing Committee.

In the most anticipated and popular pickball event, the Men's Doubles Open, fans expected to witness a dream final between brothers Quang Duong and Bao Duong against Truong Vinh Hien and Minh Quan. Unfortunately, much to the disappointment of the many fans who came to cheer at Happyland, Quang Duong suffered an injury and was unable to continue playing, meaning the championship in this event went to the pair Vinh Hien and Minh Quan. Also in the Men's Doubles Open, Nguyen Tien Tuan and Le Van Tuan secured third place.

This year's tournament also served as a platform for promising young athletes, notably the youngest pair, Phuong Trang Anh (16 years old) and Pham Ngoc Ha Vy (13 years old) from the Jogarbola Vietnam team. With their flexible, confident playing style and desire to conquer, these two young players left a strong impression, becoming symbols of the next generation of energetic and promising pickleball players in Vietnam.

Professional organization and management are noteworthy highlights of the VTV AO Smith Pickleball Open 2025. Under the direction of the Vietnam Sports Department and the application of Instant Replay System (IRS) technology in the management, the matches were ensured to be transparent, fair, and accurate, demonstrating the professionalism of the tournament right from its first season.

The VTV AO SMITH Pickleball Open 2025 also offers many attractive side activities such as a Pickleball experience zone, interactive games, and many valuable gifts from sponsors, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere and connecting the pickleball community.

Serious investment in the tournament contributes to building a future for the pickleball movement in our country. Photo: Organizing Committee.

One of the highlights was the "Glow Pickleball Charity Night" held on the evening of October 25th. With the participation of two famous athletes, Quang Duong and Bao Duong, the event received enthusiastic support from numerous athletes and fans. After a friendly match with four fans, Quang Duong kicked off the fundraising activity for the Vietnamese Heart Foundation's "Heart for Children" program by auctioning off the racket that had helped him achieve success on the PPA Tour.

After a thrilling auction, Miss Universe Vietnam 2024 2nd Runner-up Vu Thuy Quynh won with a bid of 56 million VND. The generosity of Quang Duong and Vu Thuy Quynh continued to receive support and contributions from businesses and individuals attending the event. TD Media Company and Phu Tien Co., Ltd., the exclusive distributor of AO Smith water purifiers and the main sponsor of the tournament, each donated 56 million VND to the fund. Along with the generosity of several individuals, the Glow Pickleball Charity Night received a total of 188.5 million VND in donations. All proceeds were donated to the Vietnamese Heart Foundation, part of the "Heart for Children" program of Vietnam Television, which helps underprivileged children with congenital heart disease.

The success of the VTV AO Smith Pickleball Open in its inaugural year stemmed not only from its professional organization and high-quality competition, but also from its humanistic message and spirit of community connection. The tournament is envisioned to become a prestigious annual event, serving as a launching pad for young talents and the national pickleball movement.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/giai-thuong-lon-mo-ra-tuong-lai-cho-pickleball-viet-nam-20251027100011796.htm