Pickleball

A big-bonus pickleball tournament for police officers is announced in a recent press conference in Hà Nội. Photo of organisers

HÀ NỘI — The first People Police Pickleball Tournament -- Northern Region Open will be held as an activity to develop sport movement in the police force and push the development of new sport, pickleball, in the community.

The tournament will be held from July 18-20 at the US Pickleball Court in Hà Nội with the participation of about 500 athletes, making it the largest tournaments by the police force this year.

There are two categories. The amateurs will be for police soldiers from Huế City back to the North. They will compete in five doubles divisions for men, women, mix, male leaders and mixed leaders.

The elite category opens for athletes of all levels playing in the men's, women's and mixed doubles.

Supporters will have opportunities to watch national leading athletes such as Lý Hoàng Nam and Sophia Phương Anh.

A total of VNĐ1 billion will be delivered to the high-ranking players, with top players of the amateur categories receiving VNĐ20 million and the champions of the elites taking VNĐ40 million. 

Leading player Lý Hoàng Nam will compete in the July 18-20 tournament in Hà Nội. Photo of Hoàng Nam

Major General Lê Xuân Đức, chief of office of the Việt Nam People's Public Security Sports Association, said: "The tournament not only aims to improve the health of officers and soldiers of the police and security force, but also is an opportunity for exchange, learning, and connection between the police and other units and organisations.

"Highlighting the honesty, nobility and solidarity in sports, the tournament aims at the core value of the movement "Healthy to protect the nation and build the country". It would help to make images of modern, brave and professional police force," the deputy head of the  organising committee.

There will have an open event for the South and these competitions are expected to be held annually.

Pickleball is growing rapidly in Việt Nam. It is competitive and requires reflexes, physical strength, technique and tactical thinking, considering suitable for the specific training and practice in the armed forces, according to the organisers.

The tournament, with VNPAY a diamond sponsor, is one of activities celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Việt Nam People's Public Security Traditional Day (August 19, 1945-2025) and the 20th anniversary of the National Security Day (August 19, 2005-25). VNS