On the morning of April 19, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Journalists Association Pickleball Tournament 2026 took place in an energetic atmosphere, attracting more than 200 competitors from government departments, media outlets, and the business community. The event was not only a large-scale sporting activity but also a meaningful networking platform, fostering connections across various sectors of society.
It was held to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the Vietnam Journalists Association (April 21, 1950 – April 21, 2026), and the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2026). The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from central and local authorities, including the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission, the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, the Ho Chi Minh City Journalists Association, and the Ho Chi Minh City Tennis–Pickleball Federation, along with more than 20 leaders of news organizations. The tournament was honored to receive congratulatory flowers from Mr. Nguyen Van Nen, former Politburo member and former Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, along with many organizations and businesses.
Speaking at the ceremony, journalist Tran Trong Dung, Vice President of the Vietnam Journalists Association in charge of the southern region and Head of the Steering Committee, emphasized the goal of creating a healthy sporting environment to enhance journalists’ well-being while expanding opportunities for exchange and cooperation between the media and various organizations and enterprises.
At the opening ceremony, commemorative medals were presented to all players. Following the oath-taking ceremony by player Thai Thanh Chung, Deputy General Director of Ho Chi Minh City Radio and Television Station (HTV), and representatives of the refereeing team, the competitions officially began.
Exciting Matches with Strong Networking Spirit
One of the highlights of this year’s tournament was the Leadership Doubles category, featuring 48 competitors who are leaders from central agencies, local departments, media organizations, and enterprises. Among them were 19 media leaders and 29 business executives. Random pairing added fairness and enhanced networking opportunities.
Matches in this category were intense, with many rallies going down to the final points. Despite the competitive nature, the spirit of connection and camaraderie remained at the forefront, reflected in the coordination and sportsmanship of the players.
Meanwhile, the Men’s Doubles and Women’s Doubles events took place throughout the morning, drawing strong participation and audience interest. At the end of the morning session, the Leadership Doubles awards were presented in a formal ceremony: the championship went to Le Cong Hung (Nhan Dan Newspaper Printing Company in Ho Chi Minh City) and Tran Thanh Tung (Military Region 7 Newspaper). The runners-up were Tran Tran Dinh (Law Protection Newspaper) and Nguyen Van Khoa (FPT Corporation), while the third prize was awarded to Nguyen Ngoc Minh (HTCAA) and Phan Hoang Son (Construction Newspaper).
In the afternoon, the Team category, following the Major League Pickleball (MLP) format, delivered thrilling matches requiring tight coordination and strategy among team members. Many matches were decided only at the final points, amid enthusiastic cheering from spectators.
Throughout the tournament, athletes strictly adhered to professional regulations and upheld the spirit of fair play, contributing to a civilized and professional competition environment.
Professional Organization and Modern Experience
The prize structure was clearly announced in advance, motivating participants. In the Leadership, Men’s, and Women’s Doubles categories, the first prize was VND8 million, second prize VND5 million, and third prize VND3 million, along with trophies, medals, and gifts. The Team category offered higher prizes: VND12 million for first place, VND8 million for second, and VND6 million for third.
The tournament brought together more than 200 competitors from around 50 media agencies with over 100 journalists, organizations, and businesses. The presence of AB InBev Vietnam, Acecook Vietnam, Amway Vietnam, Hoa Sen Group, Vietcombank, FPT, Vietnam Airlines, and Vinamilk added diversity and strengthened cross-sector networking.
Professionalism was also reflected in refereeing, with all matches managed by the Vietnam Pickleball Referee team, ensuring fairness and accuracy. Medical support was well-prepared, with ambulances and teams from Le Van Thinh Hospital and Chiro Lifestyle Clinic on standby.
Notably, the tournament marked progress in digital transformation, with all activities updated on the Baseline platform. Audiences could watch livestreams and follow real-time results. A multi-camera and drone system enhanced viewing experiences and broadened accessibility.
A Lasting Impression of Connection and Positive Values
In the Women’s Doubles category, the championship was won by Captain Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Senior Lieutenant Trinh Phuong Trang (Military Broadcasting Center – Southern Office). The runner-up position went to Tran Thi Thu Trang and Nguyen Thi Sang (Ho Chi Minh City Tax Department), while Phan Thuong and Nguyen Thi Doan Dieu (Thanh Nien Newspaper) secured third place.
In the Men’s Doubles category, Le Van Thanh and Pham Anh Tuan (Acecook Vietnam) claimed the championship. The runner-up prize went to Major Truong Son Hai and Lieutenant Colonel Dau Xuan Ba (Military Broadcasting Center – Southern Office), while Tong Bang Giang and Dinh Ngoc Quang (Ho Chi Minh City Police Newspaper Division) finished third.
In the Team category, the Military Broadcasting Center – Southern Office won the championship; the runner-up position went to the joint team of Southeast Asia Magazine – CAND Communications Department – Law Protection Newspaper; and the Ho Chi Minh City Tax Consulting and Agency Association secured third place.
The awards ceremony took place in a formal atmosphere, honoring outstanding players with trophies, medals, and gifts.
Beyond being a sporting event, the tournament also created a vibrant networking space with more than 10 exhibition booths from major brands and the participation of many journalists, helping promote pickleball to a wider audience. The presence of Miss Eco International 2023 Nguyen Thanh Ha further spread messages of green living and positive energy.
As the tournament concluded, it left a strong impression of a professional, well-connected sporting event. It also highlighted the modern image of journalists—dynamic, approachable, active, and closely connected with the community.
The Organizing Committee sincerely acknowledges and expresses its deep appreciation for the support and companionship of sponsors who have contributed to the success of the tournament.
Diamond Sponsors:
Anheuser-Busch InBev Vietnam Brewery Co., Ltd.; Acecook Vietnam Joint Stock Company; Amway Vietnam Co., Ltd.
Silver Sponsors:
Hoa Sen Home Joint Stock Company; Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB); Kim Long Phat Group Joint Stock Company.
Supporting Sponsors:
Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam – Dong Sai Gon Branch (Vietcombank); Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank; Vietnam Waste Solutions Co., Ltd.; Saigon Water Corporation (SAWACO); Vietnam Rubber Group; Phu My Hung Development Corporation; ZONZON Bread Brand; Spikopoll Brand; Ocany Vietnam Co., Ltd.; Flow Brand; Meizan CLV Co., Ltd.; Nam Duong International Food Co., Ltd.; Khai Minh Secondary & High School (Khai Minh Education); Sakos Joint Stock Company; TH Food Chain Joint Stock Company – TH true Tea Brand; FPT Corporation; Tan Son Nhat Airport Services Joint Stock Company (SASCO); Geru Sports Joint Stock Company; Tay Nam Manufacturing – Trading – Import Export Co., Ltd. (Tana Sports Complex); Otis Media Co., Ltd.; S.N.F Media Co., Ltd.; Vietnam Pickleball Referee Team.
Medical Partners: Le Van Thinh Hospital; Chiro Lifestyle Clinic.
The support of these organizations has not only ensured the professional organization of the tournament but also demonstrated the strong connection between the press and the business community in promoting positive values to society.
