Actor Chi Bao Brokers New Career Path for Former Vietnamese Tennis Star Nguyen Van Phuong
Former national tennis player Nguyen Van Phuong has officially transitioned into competitive pickleball, stepping into a brand-new chapter of his athletic career alongside player Nicholas Khamphilath as they assume brand ambassador roles for Kaitashi. The announcements were made during “The Next Chapter” event held in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing together athletes and club leadership.
The Next Chapter Event Unveils New Brand Ambassadors in Ho Chi Minh City
Actor Chi Bao, serving as president of the Zorba X Pro Club, introduced Nguyen Van Phuong and Nicholas Khamphilath as the newest representatives for the Kaitashi pickleball brand during the Ho Chi Minh City gathering. The club executive highlighted both athletes as standout talents selected from a roster of approximately 20 members within the Zorba X Pro Club framework.
“Today is a special day for Nguyen Van Phuong and Nicholas Khamphilath,” actor Chi Bao stated during the announcement ceremony. “I hope that, from this milestone, both continue to commit themselves professionally, leaving their mark on their future journey.”
Club leadership emphasized expectations that both athletes will continue raising their competitive standards while actively promoting and expanding the pickleball movement.
Transitioning From Southeast Asian Games Tennis to Competitive Pickleball
At 25 years old, Nguyen Van Phuong brings experience to the pickleball courts. As a former member of the Vietnamese national tennis team, he previously competed in multiple editions of the Southeast Asian Games before shifting his focus to pickleball later in his athletic career.
Despite his recent arrival in the sport, the Vietnamese athlete has already captured several notable podium finishes across tournaments:
- Won the men’s doubles title at the Nam Asia Bank Cup Lam Dong Open in 2025.
- Claimed the mixed doubles championship at the VTV AO Smith Pickleball Open.
- Finished as the runner-up in the L’Avenir Open.
- Secured a third-place finish in the mixed doubles division at the OB Masters Open earlier this year.
Reflecting on his appointment and upcoming schedule, Nguyen Van Phuong pledged to intensify his training regimen and tournament preparations to honor the confidence shown by club management and fulfill his duties as a brand ambassador.
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