Hanoi, Vietnam – The 2026 Hanoi Open 3×3 Basketball Tournament is poised to be the largest edition yet, with over 500 athletes registered to compete from March 13-15 at Thong Nhat Park. The tournament, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Vietnam Sports Day (March 27th), represents a significant surge in participation and enthusiasm for the rapid-paced basketball format.
This year’s event has seen a nearly fourfold increase in the number of participating teams compared to the 2023 season, jumping from 37 teams to a remarkable 137. Hoang Van Diem, Standing Vice President of the Hanoi Basketball Federation, highlighted the growing appeal of 3×3 basketball among young people and sports enthusiasts in the capital city. The tournament’s theme, “Legacy to the Future,” underscores a commitment to both honoring basketball traditions and cultivating the next generation of Vietnamese talent.
A key innovation for 2026 is the direct pathway created between the Hanoi 2025 3×3 Youth Talent Tournament and the main competition. The top two teams from the youth tournament in the U11, U13, U15, U17, and U19 age groups will automatically qualify for the finals in the corresponding U12, U14, U16, U18, and U20 categories, bypassing the qualifying rounds. This initiative aims to provide a continuous development pipeline for young athletes, fostering a competitive environment from grassroots levels to more established arenas.
The Hanoi Open 3×3 isn’t solely a domestic affair. Organizers have invited clubs from Thailand and Malaysia to participate in the U20 men’s and women’s categories, aiming to elevate the professional quality of the competition and provide valuable international exchange opportunities for Vietnamese athletes. This international element adds another layer of excitement and competition to the tournament.
Beyond the on-court action, the tournament is integrated into a broader series of cultural and sporting events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam Sports Day. The selection of Thong Nhat Park as the venue provides a spacious, dynamic, and accessible environment for both participants and spectators. The park is expected to be a hub of activity throughout the mid-March tournament dates.
To ensure a professional playing experience, organizers are installing two warm-up courts with flooring that meets FIBA (International Basketball Federation) standards. This attention to detail will allow athletes to acclimate to competition conditions on the expanded playing surface. The commitment to FIBA standards underscores the tournament’s ambition to provide a high-caliber event.
The tournament promises a festive atmosphere beyond the competitive games. Organizers are planning recreational spaces, meeting areas, and musical performances to transform Thong Nhat Park into a destination for young people throughout the tournament’s duration. This holistic approach aims to create a memorable experience for all involved.
The Hanoi Basketball Federation was officially established in 2019, with Nghiem Vu Khai serving as Chairman and Hoang Van Diem as Standing Vice Chairman. The federation’s goal is to promote health and develop basketball talent within Hanoi, contributing to the growth of the sport nationally. The Hanoi Basketball Federation operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a healthy lifestyle and improving the standard of basketball in the city.
3×3 basketball, a relatively new Olympic discipline, has gained significant traction globally. The format’s fast-paced action and accessibility have made it particularly popular among younger audiences. The Hanoi Open 3×3 Tournament reflects this growing trend, providing a platform for Vietnamese athletes to showcase their skills and compete on an increasingly prominent stage.
The 2021 Southeast Asian Games, held in Hanoi in May 2022, featured basketball as one of its 40 sports, attracting over 5,467 athletes from 11 nations. The 2021 SEA Games demonstrated Vietnam’s capacity to host large-scale sporting events and its commitment to developing sports infrastructure.
Following the conclusion of the Hanoi Open 3×3 Basketball Tournament on March 15th, attention will turn to preparations for future events and the continued development of basketball programs throughout Hanoi. The Hanoi Basketball Federation will likely announce details regarding upcoming youth tournaments and initiatives aimed at expanding the reach of the sport.
What are your thoughts on the growing popularity of 3×3 basketball? Share your comments below, and let us know what you’re looking forward to seeing at the Hanoi Open!
