Pickleball 

Sofia Huỳnh Trần Bảo Nhi and Trần Huyền Trang celebrate their win in the women's over-19 doubles of the Asia Open Pickleball Championships in HCM City. Photo of organisers

HCM City -- Việt Nam won big at the Asia Open Pickleball Championships (AOPC) which wrapped up on May 4 in HCM City.

After five days of competition, Việt Nam won 17 golds, 13 silvers and 17 bronzes to top the medal tally.

Singapore (eight golds) and Chinese Taipei (six golds )came second and third, respectively.

Among the Vietnamese champions were Phúc Huỳnh in the men's over-19 singles; Phan Quỳnh and Huỳnh Chí Khương in the over-35 mixed doubles; and Sofia Huỳnh Trần Bảo Nhi and Trần Huyền Trang in the women's over-19 doubles.

According to the organisers, Việt Nam's achievement showed the sport's strong development, although it has been popularised in Việt Nam recently.

The success of the first AOPC in the country was expected to inspire more people to practise pickleball. The increasing number of participants would help lift players' quality and technique. 

Hogan Lai, President of the Asian Federation of Pickleball (AFP), said he was surprised with the good preparation and organising activities over only three months with it being the first time Việt Nam hosted this tournament.

"I know the organising board had a short time to prepare, but everyone tried to create the best playground possible," said Lai.

"It's a pity that I couldn't attend the opening ceremony. But after two days in HCM City, I am very happy looking at more than 400 athletes competing extremely enthusiastically, especially the international players' excitement. 

"I clearly feel the love of Vietnamese people for pickleball. This is an important point for this country to spread this sport to the wider community.

"I believe that in the next four to five years, Việt Nam will be in the top tier of Asian teams along with India, China and Chinese Taipei. I said that because a year ago I saw a Vietnamese player defeat the Chinese Taipei's world No 1 of the U17 age group."

Lai added that it was necessary to establish a national pickleball federation to map out development strategies and AFP pledged to support Việt Nam in all fields such as training courses for coaches and referees and international organising activities and facility upgrades. VNS