Ho Chi Minh City played host to the Vietnam Pickleball Awards on the evening of March 23rd, 2026, where Ly Hoang Nam was crowned the “Best Male Athlete of the Year.” The former tennis player secured the title with a final score of 89.55 points, narrowly defeating badminton player Tran Ngoc Trieu, who finished with 77.40 points. Do Minh Quan rounded out the top three with a score of 49.03 points.
The competition was particularly close in terms of public voting, with Ly Hoang Nam receiving 7,603 votes compared to Tran Ngoc Trieu’s 7,672. However, fan votes accounted for only 50% of the final score. Ly Hoang Nam ultimately prevailed due to higher scores from the judging panel (30%) and the expert advisory board (20%). This demonstrates the respect he’s earned within the growing Vietnamese pickleball community.
The race for the top spot was neck and neck in the days leading up to the awards ceremony, with Trieu initially holding a lead in the public vote. However, Ly Hoang Nam mounted a strong comeback, leveraging his professional experience and success in international competitions to secure the victory. This win highlights the increasing crossover between established athletes from other sports and the rapidly expanding world of pickleball.
Ly Hoang Nam’s transition from professional tennis to pickleball has been closely watched. According to a Wikipedia entry updated as of October 2025, he is currently ranked world No. 19 in the PPA Tour pickleball rankings. His previous peak ATP singles ranking was No. 231, achieved in November 2022, showcasing a successful career shift. [1] The awards ceremony underscores his continued success in a novel athletic arena.
The Vietnam Pickleball Awards also recognized other outstanding players. Sophia Phuong Anh was a triple winner, taking home awards for “Best Female Athlete of the Year,” “Best Women’s Doubles Player” (with Sophia Huynh Tran), and “Best Mixed Doubles Player” (with Le Xuan Duc). Her dominance across multiple categories signals a bright future for the rising star.
Do Minh Quan and Truong Vinh Hien were awarded “Best Men’s Doubles Players of the Year.” The badminton duo of Dat Tro and Trieu finished in second place, while Ly Hoang Nam and Le Xuan Duc secured third. This demonstrates the strong competition within the men’s doubles category and the growing influence of players with backgrounds in other racquet sports.
Looking towards the future, Le Xuan Duc was named “Promising Male Athlete of the Year (under 18),” and Suri Bao Han earned the title of “Promising Female Athlete of the Year (under 18).” These awards highlight the development of young talent within the Vietnamese pickleball scene. Veteran tennis player Do Minh Quan was also honored as the “Best Male Athlete Over 40,” and Cao Thuy Dung received the “Best Female Athlete Over 40” award, recognizing the contributions of experienced players to the sport.
The Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025, which received over 1,900 nominations nationwide since opening in early February 2026, and garnered over 50,000 votes in its first week of public voting, clearly demonstrates the growing popularity of pickleball in Vietnam. [1] The event brought together athletes, artists, club representatives, tournament organizers, and fans, solidifying pickleball’s place within the Vietnamese sporting landscape.
Ly Hoang Nam’s victory is particularly noteworthy given the strong challenge from Tran Ngoc Trieu, a well-known badminton player. The head-to-head competition between the two athletes captivated fans and underscored the exciting dynamic between established stars from different sports embracing pickleball. This crossover appeal is a key factor in the sport’s continued growth and accessibility.
The awards gala, held in Ho Chi Minh City, served as a celebration of the achievements within the Vietnamese pickleball community. It also provided a platform to recognize the dedication of players, coaches, and organizers who are contributing to the sport’s development. The event’s success signals a promising future for pickleball in Vietnam, with continued growth and increased participation expected in the years to come.
Ly Hoang Nam will likely continue to compete in upcoming PPA Tour events, aiming to further solidify his position as a top-ranked pickleball player. Fans can follow his progress and the latest news from the PPA Tour on their official website. [2] The next major event on the Vietnamese pickleball calendar is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, offering fans another opportunity to witness the country’s top players in action.
Key Takeaways:
- Ly Hoang Nam has successfully transitioned from professional tennis to pickleball, earning recognition as Vietnam’s top male pickleball athlete.
- The competition with badminton player Tran Ngoc Trieu highlighted the growing crossover appeal of pickleball.
- The Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025 showcased the rising popularity of the sport within the country.
- Young talent, such as Le Xuan Duc and Suri Bao Han, were also recognized for their potential.
The story of Ly Hoang Nam is a testament to the adaptability and athleticism of Vietnamese athletes. His success in pickleball, following a distinguished tennis career, demonstrates the potential for athletes to excel in multiple sports. As pickleball continues to gain momentum globally, Vietnam is poised to develop into a significant player in the international scene.
[1] Vietnam News: Ly Hoang Nam Faces Exciting Competition [2] Lý Hoàng Nam Wikipedia Page
