Vietnam Schools Answer the Call to the Court: Da Nang Encourages Pickleball Training Amidst Growing Student Interest
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The Department of Education and Training in Da Nang, Vietnam, has issued a directive encouraging schools within the city to voluntarily begin offering pickleball training. This initiative comes in response to a growing interest in the sport among both students and teachers. While initial reactions caused some confusion, with some mistakenly believing it was becoming a mandatory subject, officials have clarified that participation will be entirely optional.
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The directive, issued on April 11th, aimed to promote pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, within the school system. Following the announcement, online discussions arose, with some misinterpreting the encouragement as a mandatory inclusion in the curriculum.
To address these concerns, Tran Nguyen Minh Thanh, the deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Education and Training, emphasised that the initiative is completely voluntary. He stated that schools will have the autonomy to decide whether to opt in based on their available facilities and the level of demand from their students and staff.
Thanh further clarified the sport's official standing, noting that “Pickleball is already included in the list of officially recognised sports by the Sports Authority of Vietnam, but it is not a compulsory part of the physical education curriculum,”. This distinction highlights the department's intention to support the sport's growth without imposing it as a mandatory subject.
Interestingly, some educational institutions in Da Nang, such as the Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted, have already established informal pickleball clubs, indicating an existing enthusiasm for the sport within the student body. The new guidance from the education department seeks to standardise training practices, ensure the safety of participants, and provide access to necessary equipment and certified coaches through a collaborative effort with the Da Nang Pickleball Federation.
In a move to further encourage participation and engagement, the Da Nang education department is planning to host a citywide pickleball tournament specifically for teachers and school staff in August. Officials have also indicated that a student competition could potentially follow if there is sufficient interest.
Public reaction to the initiative has been mixed. Supporters have expressed enthusiasm for the introduction of a new sport, viewing it as an opportunity to diversify physical activities offered in schools. However, critics have raised concerns regarding a potential lack of clarity on the sport’s rules, unfamiliarity with pickleball among students and teachers, and questions about the appropriateness of competition attire within a school environment. Images from past pickleball tournaments circulating online have also generated some controversy, and debates surrounding prize money and refereeing in pickleball events have led to questions about the sport’s professionalism in Vietnam.
Despite these concerns, unofficial estimates suggest that around 30,000 people now play pickleball in Vietnam, nearly doubling the number from 2024. This rapid growth is further evidenced by an increasing number of pickleball clubs and tournaments, including a national championship held earlier this year.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Da Nang's initiative to encourage pickleball training in schools represents a proactive approach to embracing the sport's rapid growth in Vietnam. By making participation voluntary and focusing on standardisation and safety, the education department is attempting to foster grassroots development while addressing potential concerns. The existing informal clubs in schools like Le Quy Don High School demonstrate a latent interest that this initiative can help cultivate.
The planned tournaments for teachers and potentially students are excellent ways to promote the sport and build community within the educational sector. However, the concerns raised by critics regarding rules, familiarity, and the professionalism of the sport in Vietnam need to be addressed through clear communication, training programs for teachers, and established guidelines for school-level play.
The significant increase in pickleball players and the rise in clubs and tournaments across Vietnam indicate a strong potential for growth. Introducing the sport in schools could be a crucial step in further expanding its reach and ensuring a sustainable pipeline of players. The success of this initiative will likely depend on effective implementation, addressing public concerns, and providing adequate resources for schools that choose to participate.