Opening of VTV AO SMITH Pickleball Open 2025

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

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the tournament, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Lam - General Director of Vietnam Television emphasized that Pickleball is not only an entertaining sport, but has become a place to connect the community, spread a healthy lifestyle and create positive values for society.

This year's tournament has 700 players competing in 11 different categories with a total prize value exceeding 1 billion VND. The prize for each category ranges from 5 to 60 million VND, along with trophies, medals and gifts from sponsors. In particular, the MVP (best player of the tournament) will receive a prize worth 20 million VND - a testament to the serious investment in the professional quality of the tournament.

Opening of VTV A.O. SMITH Pickleball Open 2025 - photo 2 — Famous tennis players like Quang Duong will participate in the tournament.

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

With the desire to spread the tournament, the matches are broadcast live on the tournament's fanpage and fans can freely watch live at Happyland stadium cluster (Long Bien, Hanoi ).

The most notable highlight of this year’s tournament is the application of IRS (Instant Replay System) technology – deployed for the first time at a Pickleball tournament in Vietnam. MK Vision, the technology partner, has deployed a modern system with 10 high-resolution cameras, covering the entire field.

Each frame is meticulously calibrated by the technical team, ensuring that it serves the top football plays and the referee's absolutely accurate decisions. The application of IRS technology not only enhances transparency and fairness, but also brings the tournament closer to international standards.

Opening of VTV A.O. SMITH Pickleball Open 2025 - photo 3 — The tournament is a valuable opportunity for tennis players to compete.

Sports experts say this move demonstrates the strategic vision of the Organizing Committee in elevating Pickleball in Vietnam, while also creating the premise for organizing international tournaments in the future.

Matches are held according to international Pickleball USA Rules. In addition to the official matches, spectators also have the opportunity to participate in many sports activities and exchanges for the community and family.

Not just a simple sports playground, VTV AO SMITH Pickleball Open 2025 also brings profound human values through meaningful charity activities. The "Glow Pickleball Charity Night" taking place on October 25 will be a special highlight of the tournament, with the appearance of two famous athletes - Quang Duong and Bao Duong.

At the in-depth workshop, athlete Quang Duong will directly share about Pickleball techniques and training methods, and interact and guide lucky audiences right on stage. Four selected audiences will have the opportunity to compete with Quang Duong – an unforgettable experience for those who love this sport.

Most notable is the charity auction with the racket signed by Quang Duong and Bao Duong brothers. All proceeds will be donated to Tam Long Viet Fund - the direct operator of the program "Heart for Children" of Vietnam Television - to support disadvantaged children with congenital heart disease.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/khai-mac-giai-vtv-ao-smith-pickleball-open-2025-176790.html