Pickleball: Quang Duong and Vinh Hien compete in a tournament with 'cool' technology and big prizes

On the morning of October 24, at the Happyland court cluster (Long Bien, Hanoi), the opening ceremony of the VTV AOSMITH Pickleball Open 2025 took place in an exciting and energetic atmosphere. It is expected that this tournament will have the participation of famous players such as the Quang Duong - Bao Duong brothers, Truong Vinh Hien, Sophia Phuong Anh.

Brothers Quang Duong and Bao Duong, along with young talent Truong Vinh Hien, competed against 700 athletes.

The VTV AOSMITH Pickleball Open 2025 is a large-scale sporting event organized by the Sports Department of Vietnam Television and TD Media, under the professional direction of the Vietnam Sports Department and in collaboration with Vietcontent.

Pickleball is experiencing impressive growth in Vietnam. A clear example is the fact that this year's tournament has seen 700 athletes competing in 11 different categories. The competition categories are clearly divided, 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. Notably, the MVP (Most Valuable Player) will receive a prize of 20 million VND.

700 athletes will participate in the VTV AOSMITH Pickleball Open 2025.

PHOTO: BTC

"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 celebrities such as the Quang Duong - Bao Duong brothers, 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. They not only participated in the competition but also played a significant role in promoting and spreading the image of pickleball to a wider audience.

The combination of sports and influential figures in society has created a strong media effect, attracting more people to learn about pickleball. In addition, with the desire to spread awareness of the tournament, matches are streamed live on the tournament's fan page, and fans can freely watch live at the Happyland sports complex (Long Bien, Hanoi ).

Quang Duong will also be participating.

PHOTO: WIKA

IRS's advanced technology is being implemented.

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.

Each frame is meticulously calibrated by the technical team, ensuring it captures the most spectacular plays and guarantees absolutely accurate referee decisions. The application of IRS technology not only enhances transparency and fairness but also brings the tournament closer to international standards.

Sports experts believe this move demonstrates the strategic vision of the Organizing Committee in elevating the sport of pickleball in Vietnam, while also laying the groundwork for organizing international tournaments in the future.

The matches are organized according to the international standard Pickleball USA 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.

Advanced IRS technology will be applied at the VTV AOSMITH Pickleball Open 2025.

PHOTO: BTC

More than just a sporting event, the VTV AO SMITH Pickleball Open 2025 also brings profound humanitarian values ​​through meaningful charitable activities. The "Glow Pickleball Charity Night" on October 25th will be a special highlight of the tournament, featuring appearances by two famous athletes – Quang Duong and Bao Duong.

At the in-depth workshop, athlete Quang Duong will directly share techniques and training methods for pickleball, and also interact with and guide lucky audience members right on stage. Four selected audience members will have the opportunity to play a friendly match with Quang Duong – an unforgettable experience for those who love this sport.

Most notably, there was a charity auction featuring a tennis racket signed by the Quang Duong and 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.

"Sports are not just a game, but also a bridge to share love," Mr. Nguyen Thanh Lam emphasized the significance of this activity.

With a long-term vision, the Organizing Committee expects the VTV AOSMITH Pickleball Open to become a prestigious annual event, contributing to making pickleball a popular sport in Vietnam, while creating an environment for Vietnamese talents to develop and aim for regional and international competitions in the future.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/pickleball-quang-duong-vinh-hien-cung-tranh-tai-o-giai-co-cong-nghe-xin-185251024151624491.htm