In an ever-evolving sports landscape, the rising wave of pickleball has become a sensation in Vietnam, drawing increasing numbers of players across the country.

In particular, Trinh Linh Giang’s recent championship title at the 2025 Malaysia Open not only demonstrates Vietnam’s growing presence on the continental stage but also signals a promising era of development for pickleball nationwide.

Linh Giang, a former professional tennis player with numerous national team achievements, made headlines in 2023 when he and Vietnam’s top tennis player Ly Hoang Nam jointly decided to step away from tennis to pursue careers in pickleball. The two quickly found success, capturing the gold medal in the under-35 men’s doubles category at the 2025 National Pickleball Championship.

Their transition was a natural move, backed by their strong foundations in fitness, agility, court awareness, and mental resilience - attributes honed through years of competing at the highest levels of tennis.

Pickleball shares technical and tactical similarities with tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Athletes from these disciplines adapt easily to pickleball, requiring only minor adjustments. Its accessibility and fast pace make it appealing, especially for Vietnamese players who benefit from its emphasis on agility and finesse over raw power.

Linh Giang’s championship victory is not just a personal milestone for the 1997-born athlete but also a beacon of hope for Vietnam’s next generation of pickleball players aiming for the international stage. Following the Malaysia Open, the PPA Tour Asia will continue with four more events in Hong Kong (China), Japan, China, and a return to Malaysia in October 2025.

Notably, pickleball will debut as a trial sport at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand this December and is expected to become an official competition sport at the next Games hosted by Malaysia. This presents a golden opportunity for Vietnam’s pickleball athletes to develop with confidence and step fully into the professional spotlight.

PV