Athletes pose for photos at the opening ceremony of the Asia Open Pickleball Championships (AOPC) held for the first time HCM City. Photos of VTF

HCM CITY — The Asia Open Pickleball Championships (AOPC) kicked off on April 30th in HCM City, marking the start of an exciting sporting event. Over 400 athletes from across Asia, America, Europe, and Australia have gathered at the Kỳ Hòa 2 Club in District 10, ready to compete until May 4th.

Participants will engage in intense competition across singles, doubles, and team events, showcasing their skills at intermediate and advanced levels across various age groups, ranging from 19 to over 50. With Việt Nam hosting the tournament for the first time, a total prize pool of US$30,000 awaits the deserving winners.

An athlete practises and competes at the Asia Open Pickleball Championships on April 30 in HCM City.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, ArVind Prabhoo, president of the International Pickleball Association, expressed his excitement for what he sees as a new chapter for pickleball in Việt Nam. He expressed hope that the sport would gain traction and spread throughout the country.

Prabhoo was particularly pleased to witness the Vietnamese people's keen interest and enthusiasm for pickleball. With meticulous planning from the organising committee and top-notch equipment, he anticipated that this tournament would deliver highly professional competitions.

Pickleball has experienced significant growth worldwide, and the AOPC is seen as a catalyst to inspire Vietnamese enthusiasts to take up the sport seriously and promote it within the community.

Nguyễn Nam Nhân, deputy director of the City's Department of Culture and Sports, remarked, "For the first time, HCM City is hosting an Asian-level pickleball tournament with over 400 participants. We anticipate providing an exceptional experience with top-notch matches for both athletes and fans. I encourage athletes to compete with integrity and the referees to officiate fairly, contributing to a successful tournament and memorable experience for all."

High-ranking athletes will receive a total of US$30,000 from the Asia Open Pickleball Championships.

Before the matches commenced, an Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP) Referee Workshop took place on April 29th. 

Additionally, an International Pickleball Professional Teaching Association's Instructor Certification Workshop is scheduled for May 5th, consisting of two parts: the Teach the Teacher Workshop and Observed Teaching Lesson.

"The Asian Pickleball Federation is committed to supporting and offering certifications and referee training courses to further enhance the development of pickleball in Việt Nam," stated Jimmy Tan, a representative of the APF. "We will continue collaborating with the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Việt Nam Pickleball and Friends Club South to organise more tournaments in the future."

Pickleball and Friends, recognised as the first professional club in Việt Nam by the AFP, spearheaded the effort to bring the championship to HCM City. VNS