Pickleball courts are still bustling

“I didn’t choose pickleball because it’s popular or flashy, but because from the very first time I held the racket, I felt a sense of connection, joy, and familiarity. Pickleball doesn’t require too much strength, but it’s fast and flexible enough to help me improve my fitness, reflexes, and endurance,” shared Thuc Ngan, a resident of Tran Bien ward, about the sport she is currently pursuing.

Pickleball is chosen by many women to maintain their figure and physical condition as well as relieve stress and pressure in life

Active and connected women

Alongside yoga, aerobics, and zumba, pickleball has become a popular choice among women looking to maintain their figure, improve physical fitness, and relieve stress and life pressures. Its accessibility and social nature are key advantages that continue to draw players to pickleball courts across Dong Nai. Women of all ages, even children, can participate. What starts as curiosity or a desire to try something new has led many to develop a strong attachment to the sport and invest in it seriously.

Every week, Thuc Ngan spends four evenings at the pickleball court. There, she connects with other women who share the same interests and skill level, and immerses herself in the open, lively atmosphere of the court after a long, stressful day at work. What makes these sessions special is that her husband, Anh Vu, always joins her. Both have made regular exercise a habit to improve their health, and they’ve chosen pickleball as their sport. From the early days of uncertainty, the couple has grown more confident, building connections with fellow players, mastering difficult shots, and gradually improving their physical strength with each game.

“At first, I went online to learn about how to play, the rules, and the necessary conditions to participate in this sport. Because I had a basic physical foundation, I got into it quite quickly. It can be said that pickleball has given me a more balanced lifestyle, physically healthy, mentally comfortable, and more connected in relationships,” Thuc Ngan confided.

From the outset of her pickleball journey, Nguyen Thi Kim Nhung (a resident of Tan Trieu ward) took a systematic approach, receiving instruction from a coach on the basic techniques. In just a short time, she quickly caught up with the other women at the practice court and steadily improved.

“At first, I was curious about this new sport that was drawing so many people, especially women. From just trying it out and learning how to play, I now train regularly. I’ve gone from being an introvert to becoming more open, more sociable, with more friends and greater joy in life,” Nhung shared.

According to Kim Nhung, if you only try the sport for fun, you'll quickly lose interest and lack the motivation to maintain a routine on a regular basis. That’s why she set personal goals: to stay in shape, keep a positive mental outlook, and boost her energy through playing. For each session, she and the other women in the club not only build their physical foundation and warm up thoroughly, but also show up in outfits that are stylish, active, and comfortable.

For Nhung, dressing up on the field is also a way for women to renew themselves, be more confident and love themselves more, not just "pretending" or "living a virtual life". Pickleball or any sport aims at positive values, as long as the player has a serious investment in the training process.

“The most valuable thing this sport brings is the spirit, as every match is filled with laughter, cheering, and playful moments that make me feel at ease. More than just exercise, pickleball is a bridge that connects people: friends, teammates, even strangers become familiar faces on the court,” Thuc Ngan shared.

Not just a trend

Although only introduced to Vietnam in recent years, pickleball has grown rapidly and gained popularity among residents in Dong Nai, from professional training grounds to grassroots movements. Courts have been developed across many wards and communes in the province, attracting players of all ages. While some view pickleball as just a passing trend, something that “blooms early and fades quickly,” the sport remains vibrant in Dong Nai thanks to its unique strengths.

Established in September 2023 with 35 members, up to now, Dong Nai Pickleball Club (under Dong Nai Sports Training and Competition Center) has attracted many players to participate in training and competition.

According to Nguyen Quoc Thinh, who oversees the Dong Nai Pickleball Club, pickleball is easy to play, accessible to all ages and genders, and has seen a surge in popularity recently, sparking curiosity and gradually winning over new players. To sustain its activities, the club regularly organizes exchanges with other clubs both within and outside the province, as well as internal tournaments to foster connection and camaraderie. New members receive support and guidance in basic techniques and game rules.

Nguyen Quoc Thinh commented that while pickleball has been developing rapidly, it is not merely a passing trend. The sport is increasingly asserting its position and level of professionalism, as reflected in the growing number of grassroots and national tournaments being held. Notable international events hosted in Vietnam have attracted elite players, including the PPA Tour Australia – Vietnam Open 2024 and the upcoming PPA Tour Asia – MB Vietnam Cup 2025. Significantly, pickleball is also drawing athletes from other sports, including many of Vietnam’s top tennis players who have transitioned to competing professionally in pickleball.