Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Former tennis star Ly Hoang Nam has been crowned the Best Male Athlete of the Year at the inaugural Vietnam Pickleball Awards, held on the evening of March 23rd. The awards gala, a first for the rapidly growing sport in Vietnam, brought together athletes, artists and industry representatives in a celebration of pickleball’s rising popularity.
Nam secured the top honor with a final score of 89.55, 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. The competition between Nam and Trieu proved to be the most closely watched contest of the evening, demonstrating the crossover appeal of athletes from different sports embracing pickleball.
Even as Trieu initially led in public voting with 7,672 votes compared to Nam’s 7,603, the final result factored in votes from a judging panel (30%) and an expert panel (20%), ultimately tipping the scales in Nam’s favor. This highlights the importance of both fan engagement and expert evaluation in recognizing excellence within the Vietnamese pickleball community.
The victory marks a significant moment for Nam, who transitioned to pickleball after a successful career in tennis. His dedication to the new sport and impressive performances in international competitions were key factors in securing the award. The shift of established athletes like Nam into pickleball underscores the sport’s growing momentum and its ability to attract talent from other disciplines.
Beyond the Best Male Athlete award, Sophia Phuong Anh dominated the women’s categories, achieving a remarkable “hat trick” by winning Best Female Athlete of the Year, Best Women’s Doubles (with Sophia Huynh Tran), and Best Mixed Doubles (with Le Xuan Duc). Her consistent success across multiple disciplines solidifies her position as a leading figure in Vietnamese pickleball.
In the men’s doubles category, Do Minh Quan and Truong Vinh Hien took home the title of Best Men’s Doubles Players of the Year. Dat “Tro” and Trieu finished a close second, while Ly Hoang Nam and Le Xuan Duc secured third place. The competitive landscape in doubles play demonstrates the depth of talent emerging within the Vietnamese pickleball scene.
The awards also recognized rising stars, with Le Xuan Duc named the Most Promising Young Male Athlete (under 18) and Suri Bao Han earning the title of Most Promising Young Female Athlete (under 18). Acknowledging the next generation of players is crucial for the continued growth and sustainability of the sport in Vietnam.
Further honors were bestowed upon veterans of other sports, with Vietnamese tennis legend Do Minh Quan winning Best Male Athlete 40+ and Cao Thuy Dung claiming the Best Female Athlete 40+ title. This recognition of experienced athletes transitioning to pickleball speaks to the sport’s inclusivity and appeal across age groups.
The Vietnam Pickleball Awards, organized by PWC, received over 1,900 nominations from across the country following its launch in early February 2026. The program quickly garnered significant community support, with over 50,000 votes cast in the first week of voting alone. This enthusiastic response underscores the burgeoning popularity of pickleball in Vietnam and the desire for a platform to celebrate its athletes and contributors.
Ly Hoang Nam’s win is particularly noteworthy given his recent confirmation to participate in the MB Pickleball D-Joy Tour 2025 – Leg 3, with a DUPR rating of Singles 5.850. [Instagram Post] This participation further solidifies his commitment to the sport and positions him as a key player on the regional pickleball circuit.
The increasing interest in pickleball within Vietnam is part of a broader trend, as seen with other tennis players making the switch. [VnExpress International] This transition highlights the sport’s accessibility and appeal to athletes seeking a new challenge.
The success of the inaugural Vietnam Pickleball Awards promises to establish it as an annual event, fostering continued growth and recognition within the Vietnamese pickleball community. The awards serve as a vital platform for celebrating achievements, inspiring future generations, and solidifying pickleball’s place as a prominent sport in Vietnam.
Looking ahead, Ly Hoang Nam will undoubtedly be a player to watch as he continues to compete on the MB Pickleball D-Joy Tour and represents Vietnam on the international stage. Fans can follow his progress and stay updated on the latest pickleball news through official league channels and sports news outlets.
