Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – The race for top honors at the 2025 Vietnam Pickleball Awards is heating up, with Ly Hoang Nam facing a formidable challenge from Tran Ngoc Trieu, known as “Trieu badminton,” in the Men’s Athlete of the Year category. Voting, which opened in early February 2026, has already surpassed 50,000 submissions, demonstrating significant public interest in the awards and its nominees.
Trieu “Badminton” Leads, But Ly Hoang Nam Remains Close
Tran Ngoc Trieu currently leads the voting for the prestigious Men’s Athlete of the Year award. However, Ly Hoang Nam is a extremely close second, with a minimal difference in votes separating the two players. The competition promises to remain fierce as both athletes vie for the title. Rounding out the top eight contenders are Do Minh Quan, Nguyen Dac Tien, Vu Huu Tri, Hung Anh, Thang Nguyen, and Dinh Quang Linh.
The competition isn’t limited to the individual athlete category. Trieu “badminton,” paired with Dat “tro,” likewise leads the voting for the Men’s Doubles Team of the Year. Do Minh Quan and Truong Vinh Hien are in second place, with a relatively small vote difference, suggesting they remain strong contenders. Ly Hoang Nam and Le Xuan Duc currently hold the third position in the men’s doubles rankings.
On the women’s side, Sophia Phuong Anh, a talented tennis player transitioning to pickleball, is the clear frontrunner for the Women’s Athlete of the Year award. She and her doubles partner, Sophia Huynh Tran, are also in contention for the Women’s Doubles Team of the Year, currently holding second place behind Truc Panda and Jolie Lam.
Awards Gala Scheduled for March 23rd
The Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025 gala is scheduled to take place on March 23rd in Ho Chi Minh City. The event is expected to draw a large crowd, including top pickleball athletes, artists, club representatives, tournament organizers, brand partners, and other prominent figures from the Vietnamese sports community.
Beyond the headline awards, the Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025 will also recognize excellence in Mixed Doubles, promising Young Male Player (under 18), promising Young Female Player (under 18), Male Player over 40, Female Player over 40, and Outstanding Club. These additional categories highlight the growing depth and breadth of the pickleball community in Vietnam.
The voting portal will officially close on March 20th. Organizers report a surge in votes in recent days, particularly in the most competitive categories, including Men’s Athlete of the Year, Women’s Athlete of the Year, and Outstanding Club. This indicates a highly engaged fanbase eager to support their favorite players and organizations.
Pickleball, a paddle sport combining elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, has experienced a surge in popularity globally in recent years. Its accessibility and relatively low barrier to entry have made it a favorite among athletes of all ages and skill levels. The Vietnam Pickleball Awards are a testament to the sport’s growing presence and dedicated community within the country.
The awards gala promises to be a celebration of the sport’s achievements and a showcase of the talent within the Vietnamese pickleball scene. With the voting deadline speedy approaching, the final results are sure to generate significant excitement and discussion among fans and players alike.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the closing of the voting portal on March 20th, followed by the awards gala on March 23rd in Ho Chi Minh City. Stay tuned to official Vietnam Pickleball channels for updates and announcements.
What do you think? Who will take home the top honors at the Vietnam Pickleball Awards? Share your predictions in the comments below!
