Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – The race for the top honors at the Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025 is intensifying, with a particularly compelling battle brewing in the Best Male Athlete of the Year category. Ly Hoang Nam finds himself in a tight contest with Tran Ngoc Trieu, widely known as “Trieu ‘badminton’,” as voting numbers reveal a remarkably close competition. The awards gala, scheduled for March 23rd in Ho Chi Minh City, promises to be a celebration of the growing pickleball community in Vietnam.
A Nation Weighs In: Over 50,000 Votes Cast
Since nominations opened in early February 2026, the Vietnam Pickleball Awards program received over 1,900 submissions from pickleball enthusiasts across the country. Following a selection and consultation process involving a jury and expert panel, the top eight nominees in each category were announced in early March, simultaneously launching the fan voting phase. Remarkably, within just one week of the voting period opening, more than 50,000 votes were tallied, demonstrating significant interest and support for both the awards and the nominees.
Trieu “Badminton” and Ly Hoang Nam Neck and Neck
The most prestigious category, Best Male Athlete of the Year, is currently led by Tran Ngoc Trieu (“Trieu ‘badminton’”). However, Ly Hoang Nam is a particularly close second, with the difference in votes being negligible. The two athletes are expected to continue their fierce competition for the title in the final voting stage. Rounding out the top eight nominees in this category are Do Minh Quan, Nguyen Dac Tien, Vu Huu Tri, Hung Anh, Thang Nguyen, and Dinh Quang Linh.
Trieu “badminton” and Ly Hoang Nam are locked in a tight race for the Best Male Athlete title. (Photo: CMH)
The competition isn’t limited to the individual athlete awards. Trieu “badminton” and his teammate, Dat “tro,” are also currently leading the race for Best Men’s Doubles Players of the Year. Do Minh Quan and Truong Vinh Hien hold the second position, remaining contenders as the vote difference is minimal. Ly Hoang Nam and Le Xuan Duc currently occupy the third spot.
Rising Stars in Women’s Pickleball
In the Best Female Athlete category, Sophia Phuong Anh, a talented young tennis player transitioning to pickleball, holds a significant lead. She and her teammate, Sophia Huynh Tran, are also second in the running for Best Women’s Doubles, closely trailing Truc Panda and Jolie Lam. This suggests a strong showing from emerging talent in the women’s game.
The Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025 gala will be held on March 23rd in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: BTC)
Beyond the Headlines: A Comprehensive Awards Program
The Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025 encompass a wide range of categories, recognizing excellence across all levels of the sport. Additional awards include Best Mixed Doubles Player, Most Promising Young Male Player (under 18), Most Promising Young Female Player (under 18), Best Male Player Over 40, Best Female Player Over 40, and Outstanding Club. This broad scope reflects the growing depth and diversity within the Vietnamese pickleball scene.
The voting portal will officially close on March 20th. The competition remains fierce across many categories, with a close race among the candidates. The Best Male Athlete, Best Female Athlete, and Best Pickleball Club categories are attracting particular attention, experiencing a rapid increase in votes during the final phase.
The Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025 gala, taking place on March 23rd in Ho Chi Minh City, will bring together prominent pickleball athletes, renowned artists, representatives from clubs, tournament organizers, brand partners, and numerous special guests from the sporting world. The event promises to be a highlight of the Vietnamese pickleball calendar.
The growing popularity of pickleball in Vietnam, as evidenced by the high volume of nominations and votes, underscores the sport’s increasing appeal. The awards gala will not only celebrate the achievements of individual players and teams but also recognize the contributions of those who are working to develop and promote the sport throughout the country. For those unfamiliar with the sport, pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, played on a smaller court with a lower net. It’s known for being accessible to all ages and skill levels, contributing to its rapid growth globally.
The outcome of the voting remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025 are generating significant excitement and recognition for the sport within the country. Fans eager to spot who will take home the coveted awards should mark their calendars for the gala on March 23rd.
What’s Next: The voting period closes on March 20th. The winners will be announced at the Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025 gala on March 23rd in Ho Chi Minh City.
What are your predictions for the winners? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
