Pickleball 

Vietnamese player Trương Vinh Hiển will compete at the Asia Open Pickleball Championships on April 30-May 4 in HCM City. Photos of organisers

HÀ NỘI -- Việt Nam will host the Asia Open Pickleball Championships (AOPC) for the first time later this year in HCM City.

The tournament is expected to feature more than 500 athletes from not only Asia but also America, Europe and Australia.

According to organisers, pickleball lovers will have opportunities to watch elite matches from April 30 to May 4 at the Kỳ Hòa 2 Club in District 10.

Athletes will compete in singles, doubles and team events at intermediate and advanced levels, and age groups ranging from 19 to over-50.

Notable Vietnamese players are No. 1 Trịnh Linh Giang, No. 2 Trương Vinh Hiển, Nguyễn Anh Thắng and Marchel Chan. Meanwhile, Indian Vanshik Kapadia and Taiwanese Kao Pei Chuan are the famed international competitors.

A total of US$30,000 is up for grabs.

“Many strong players will compete at the championship. This is a true playground for pickleball lovers. They will exchange knowledge, gain experience and improve quality,” said AOPC Director Trương Quang Vũ.

In addition to competitive matches, an Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP) Referee Workshop will be held on April 29.

It will provide a comprehensive framework for training individuals to become competent pickleball referees, emphasising not only an understanding of rules and mechanics but also the importance of fair play, sportsmanship, and continuous improvement.

It will also provide an understanding of how to oversee the progression of the tournament, as well as the roles and responsibilities of referees in maintaining its smooth operation, including managing the flow of individual games.

An International Pickleball Professional Teaching Association (IPTPA) Instructor Certification Workshop will be held on May 5 with two parts - Teach the Teacher Workshop and Observed Teaching Lesson.

Introduced to Việt Nam in 2018, pickleball has experienced significant growth in recent years, with approximately 25 pickleball clubs now established throughout the country.

Pickleball And Friends, the first professional club in Việt Nam recognised by the the AFP, applied to bring the championship to HCM City. VNS