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

On the morning of October 24, at the Happyland court cluster (Long Bien, Hanoi), the opening ceremony of the VTV AO SMITH 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, and Sophia Phuong Anh.

Brothers Quang Duong - Bao Duong, young talent Truong Vinh Hien compete with 700 athletes

VTV AO SMITH Pickleball Open 2025 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 in coordination with Vietcontent.

Pickleball is making impressive progress in Vietnam. The clear proof is that the number of athletes participating in this year's tournament has reached 700, competing in 11 different events. The events 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 events for artists, businessmen and celebrities.

The total prize value exceeds 1 billion VND, with the prize for each event ranging from 5 to 60 million VND, along with trophies, medals and gifts from sponsors. In particular, the MVP title (best athlete of the tournament) will receive a prize worth 20 million VND.

700 athletes will participate in the VTV AO SMITH Pickleball Open 2025

PHOTO: Organizing Committee

"Pickleball is not only a recreational sport, but has become a place to connect the community, spread a healthy lifestyle and create positive values ​​for society," Mr. Nguyen Thanh Lam - General Director of Vietnam Television shared at the opening ceremony.

This year's tournament attracted special attention with the participation of many athletes, artists and famous people such as Quang Duong - Bao Duong brothers, 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. They not only participated in the competition but also played an important role in promoting and spreading the image of pickleball to a wider public.

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

Quang Duong will also participate.

PHOTO: WIKA

IRS "genuine" technology is applied

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 competition area.

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.

Sports experts say this move demonstrates the strategic vision of the Organizing Committee in raising the level of 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.

"High-end" IRS technology applied at VTV AO SMITH Pickleball Open 2025

PHOTO: Organizing Committee

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.

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

With a long-term vision, the Organizing Committee hopes that VTV AO SMITH Pickleball Open will become a prestigious annual event, contributing to making pickleball a popular sport in Vietnam, while creating an environment for Vietnamese talents to develop, aiming towards regional and international arenas in the future.

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