Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – March 15, 2026 – The race for the Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025 is intensifying, with a compelling head-to-head battle developing in the “Best Male Athlete of the Year” category. Tran Ngoc Trieu, widely known as Trieu “Badminton,” currently holds a narrow lead over Ly Hoang Nam, setting the stage for a thrilling finish as fan voting continues.
A Tight Race for Top Honors
Since nominations opened in early February 2026, over 1,900 submissions poured in from the pickleball community across Vietnam. Following review by a jury and expert panel, eight official nominees were announced in each category in early March, triggering a fan voting period that has already seen over 50,000 votes cast – a testament to the growing popularity of the sport and the awards themselves.
The competition is particularly fierce at the top. Trieu “Badminton” currently leads the voting for the prestigious “Best Male Athlete of the Year” award, with Ly Hoang Nam closely trailing. The difference in votes between the two is described as minimal, promising a dramatic conclusion to the voting process. 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 rivalry extends beyond the individual athlete award. Trieu “Badminton,” paired with Dat “tro,” also leads the voting in the “Best Men’s Doubles Team of the Year” category. Do Minh Quan and Truong Vinh Hien are in second place, remaining within striking distance, while Ly Hoang Nam and Le Xuan Duc currently hold the third position.
Women’s Competition Also Heats Up
On the women’s side, Sophia Phuong Anh, a talented young tennis player, has established a significant lead in the “Best Female Athlete” category. She and teammate Sophia Huynh Tran are also currently second in the running for “Best Women’s Doubles,” challenging Truc Panda and Jolie Lam for the top spot.
The Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025 will also recognize excellence in Mixed Doubles, promising young male and female players (under 18), players over 40, and outstanding clubs. The awards gala is scheduled for March 23rd in Ho Chi Minh City, and is expected to draw a large crowd of athletes, artists, club representatives, tournament organizers, and sponsors.
With the voting portal closing on March 20th, the final days of the campaign are expected to be particularly intense. The “Best Male Athlete,” “Best Female Athlete,” and “Best Pickleball Club” categories are seeing the most rapid increase in votes, indicating a highly engaged and passionate fanbase.
The gala promises to be a celebration of the growing pickleball community in Vietnam, recognizing the dedication and achievements of its top players, and contributors. The event will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, attracting prominent figures from the Vietnamese sports world.
Pickleball, a sport that has seen explosive growth in recent years, is gaining significant traction in Vietnam. The Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025 are a key part of this momentum, providing a platform to showcase the talent and passion within the community. For those unfamiliar with the sport, pickleball combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles. It’s a sport accessible to all ages and skill levels, contributing to its widespread appeal.
The awards ceremony will honor not only the top players but also the clubs and individuals who are working to develop and promote the sport throughout the country. This holistic approach to recognition underscores the importance of building a strong and sustainable pickleball ecosystem in Vietnam.
As the voting deadline approaches, all eyes are on the race for the top awards. The outcome will undoubtedly reflect the growing enthusiasm and competitive spirit within the Vietnamese pickleball community. Fans can continue to cast their votes until March 20th, shaping the final results and celebrating the achievements of their favorite players.
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 results.
What do you think? Who will take home the top honors at the Vietnam Pickleball Awards 2025? Share your predictions in the comments below!
