Philippines Academy, Vietnam schools programme, pro action in Hà Nội
Good morning, pickleballers!
Well, that complete and utter pickleball news drought is over - we have loads for you to get through today once again.
But before you dive into today's world pickleball news, I want to make you aware of the latest World Pickleball Podcast - recorded yesterday.
In this episode of the World Pickleball Podcast, Gordo and I dive into the exciting developments of our last seven days in pickleball, from an entertaining charity calendar project featuring 'tasteful' shots of pickleball players to Gordon's bustling coaching sessions in Australia. We discuss the importance of team chemistry and strategy in competitive pickleball, drawing upon Gordon's experience as captain in MLP Australia. We also explore the intricacies of drafting a successful team in the UK Premier Pickleball Challenger League - I'm entering a Pure Pickleball team - offering insights into player selection, organisational tactics, and creating a supportive and competitive environment. Gordon also talks about Coach Andy in Uganda, doing some amazing work and we also discuss pickleballs.
So, it's a good one - you can find the World Pickleball Podcast on Apple, Spotify and Deezer or you can get your fix immediately below.
Now, what else is happening around the globe?
Pasig Serves Up Pickleball Paradise: Ayala Malls The 30th Launches Academy with Open Play and Expert Coaching
Pasig, Philippines – Ayala Malls The 30th in Pasig City has officially launched the 30th Pickleball Academy, creating a new hub for pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels. The academy, located at the mall's Activity Centre on the second floor, welcomes novices, experts, and everyone in between to join the growing pickleball community.
Picklers looking for court time can rent courts for ₱250 per hour on weekends and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Alternatively, open play sessions are available for a fee of ₱150 on weekdays from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on weekends and holidays from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..
For those seeking to improve their game, the academy offers expert coaching from Vittorio Pozon, also known as Coach Thor. Coach Thor is certified by the International Federation of Pickleball Academy and is recognised as one of the Philippines’ first pickleball players. He is also trained under the “Elevate to Victory” program by the Philippine Pickleball Academy. Coaching rates start at ₱900 for 1–2 players, in addition to a ₱300 per hour court rental fee. Interested individuals can find more information or make inquiries by scanning a designated code. The 30th Pickleball Academy aims to be a central meeting point for the burgeoning pickleball scene in Pasig.
Vietnam Schools Answer the Call to the Court: Da Nang Encourages Pickleball Training Amidst Growing Student Interest
Da Nang, Vietnam – The Da Nang Department of Education and Training has issued an April 11 document encouraging schools to begin training in pickleball. This initiative comes in response to the growing interest among students and teachers in the sport. However, the department clarified that participation is entirely voluntary, allowing schools to decide based on their available facilities and student demand.
Pickleball is already recognised as an official sport by the Sports Authority of Vietnam, although it is not a compulsory part of the physical education curriculum. Some schools in Da Nang, such as Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted, have already established informal pickleball clubs. The new guidance aims to standardise training, ensure safety, and provide access to equipment and certified coaches through cooperation with the Da Nang Pickleball Federation.
To further promote the sport, the Da Nang education department is planning to hold a citywide pickleball tournament for teachers and staff in August, with a potential student competition to follow if there is sufficient interest. This move has garnered divided public reaction, with supporters welcoming the diversification of school physical activities, while critics have raised concerns about rules, unfamiliarity, and competition attire. Unofficial estimates suggest that around 30,000 people now play pickleball in Vietnam, nearly double the number in 2024.
MLP Aces Vietnam Debut: International Team Dominates in Hà Nội Friendly
Hà Nội, Vietnam – An international team secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over their Vietnamese counterparts during a friendly Major League Pickleball (MLP) event held on April 15 in Hà Nội. This engaging tournament, known as the 'Rise with the Flames' tournament, showcased the increasing prominence of pickleball in Việt Nam and drew attention from well-known figures in the sport.
The international lineup featured renowned players such as Andrei Daescu, the men's doubles number one seed, along with Jack Sock, Tyson McGuffin, Jessie Irvine, Pesa Teoni, and Eugenie Bouchard. Daescu even relished the opportunity to explore Việt Nam for the first time.
Notable matches included Daescu and Phúc Huỳnh narrowly defeating McGuffin and Sock 7-5. This event marks a significant moment for pickleball in Vietnam, highlighting the sport's rapid growth and attracting international talent to the burgeoning scene. The presence of such high-calibre players is expected to further ignite passion for pickleball across the nation.
Natal Nets First Dedicated Pickleball Hub: Pickleball Centre RN Opens Doors in Brazil
Natal, Brazil – The capital of Rio Grande do Norte has welcomed its first centre dedicated exclusively to the practice of pickleball, the popular sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The Pickleball Centre RN, the brainchild of Leonardo Melo, a native of the region who has lived in the USA for two decades, was inaugurated last Sunday.
Located in the Lagoa Nova neighbourhood, between Amintas Barros and Rui Barbosa avenues, the new facility boasts four official pickleball courts, a sports equipment store, and a social area. The sport, already a hit in the United States and Mexico, is gaining significant traction in Brazil, including cities like São Paulo. Pickleball's appeal lies in its democratic nature, making it accessible to children, adults, and seniors, contributing to its rapid growth.
The Pickleball Centre RN offers free experimental classes to interested individuals who can visit the centre or contact them via WhatsApp. This new hub aims to further popularise pickleball in Natal and the surrounding region.
New Jersey Picklers Smash Fee Hike: Community Victory Preserves Affordable Court Access in Ocean City
Ocean City, New Jersey, USA – Pickleball players in Ocean City have successfully pushed back against a proposed court fee increase that would have significantly raised the cost of playing the sport. The planned hike, part of a larger package of rate increases for city services, would have seen the 2024 season pass fee of $60 jump to $225 annually, a 275% increase.
Following the proposal, members of the local pickleball community actively opposed the increase by contacting their City Council members and meeting with Mayor Jay Gillian. The proposed changes were scheduled for a second reading and potential approval at the City Council meeting on April 10.
However, due to the strong opposition from the pickleball community, Mayor Gillian proposed a revised fee structure, suggesting $100 per year for unlimited indoor/outdoor play. This revised proposal was met with satisfaction, and pickleball players who had intended to speak at the City Council meeting refrained from doing so. Ultimately, the City Council approved the revised fees with a 6-1 vote, marking a victory for affordable access to pickleball courts in Ocean City.
National Pickleball League Loses CEO to College Sports: Paul Bamundo Moves to RedBird Development Group
USA – The National Pickleball League (NPL) has announced the departure of its CEO, Paul Bamundo, who will be taking on a new role as SVP at RedBird Development Group. In his new position, Bamundo will focus on developing RedBird Development Group's college sports business.
Bamundo, who was recognised as an SBJ Forty Under 40 honoree in 2012, had served as the CEO of the National Pickleball League since 2023. His move comes as the NPL continues to establish itself in the rapidly growing sport of pickleball.
According to the NPL's website, Chairman Rod Davis will be adding the responsibilities of CEO following Bamundo's departure. This leadership change marks a new chapter for the NPL as it navigates the evolving landscape of professional pickleball. RedBird Development Group is a subset of RedBird Capital Partners.
Paris Prepares for Pickleball Power: Third Annual Eiffel Tower Classic Serves Up Competition and Fried Pickle Dip
Paris, Tennessee, USA – (We won't lie, thought this one was Paris in France!) Get ready for some paddle action! The Third Annual Eiffel Tower Classic, sponsored by Knott's Fine Foods, is set to take place from May 2-4 at Eiffel Tower Park in Paris, Tennessee. Organised by the Paris Pickleball Club, the tournament promises fierce competition across all skill levels.
The event kicks off on Friday, May 2, with men's and women's singles, followed by men's and women's doubles on Saturday, May 3. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, May 4, with exciting mixed doubles matches. Players will compete in a round-robin format across the park's 10 premier pickleball courts, vying for gold, silver, and bronze medals in each category.
Adding a unique flavour to the event, tournament sponsor Knott's Fine Foods will be providing delicious samples of their snacks, including their popular Fried Pickle Dip. The participation fee is $55, and the deadline to register is April 23. According to Marsha Banasiewicz, spokesperson for the Paris Pickleball Club, they are "thrilled to host our Third Annual Eiffel Tower Classic". Chloe Knott, from Knott's Foods, expressed excitement to once again partner for this "hometown event full of good food, great friends and friendly competition". Proceeds from the tournament will also benefit local civic events.
Chaos on the Court, Calm Off It: World #6 Quang Duong's Father Reveals the Secret to His Pickleball Success
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Behind the explosive and aggressive playing style of world number six pickleball prodigy Quang Duong lies an intense and unconventional training regimen orchestrated by his father and coach, Duc Duong. In an exclusive interview during their visit to Kuala Lumpur for the Panas Cup 2025, Duc revealed his philosophy centres on creating "chaos" in training to prevent breakdowns during matches. Unlike traditional long hours of practice, Quang now trains for just two intense hours a day, focusing on targeted drills and conditioning designed to "break him". This counterintuitive approach aims to expose and fix weaknesses in practice, ensuring peak performance under pressure. Duc emphasises performance over trophies, focusing on surviving each point and performing in every match, even in losses. This rigorous mental and physical preparation has been instrumental in Quang's rapid ascent in the professional pickleball scene.
One Bite to Victory: Pickleball Prodigy Quang Duong's Superstitious Pre-Match Banana Ritual Unveiled
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Before stepping onto the pickleball court, world number six Quang Duong adheres to a strict pre-match routine, including a rather peculiar superstition: taking only one bite of a banana. This ritual, which dates back to his tennis days, is a non-negotiable part of his preparation. Alongside the single banana bite, Quang also skips breakfast, opting for just hot tea and a bit of water before competing. This seemingly small act is part of a larger pattern of routine and mental preparation that helps the Vietnamese American prodigy maintain his focus during high-stakes Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour matches. While he enjoys the local Malaysian cuisine like nasi lemak, even indulging in it daily during a past tournament, the single banana bite remains his consistent good luck charm.
From Muay Thai to the Modern Dink: Quang Duong's Diverse Background Fuels His Explosive Pickleball Style
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The dynamic and aggressive playing style that has propelled Quang Duong to world number six in pickleball is deeply rooted in his diverse athletic background. Before dominating the pickleball scene, Quang honed his skills in tennis and also possesses significant Muay Thai and kickboxing skills from his younger years. This combination of racquet sports agility and martial arts explosiveness has shaped his unique approach to pickleball, characterised by attacking the soft game and disrupting rhythm. Quang's father and coach, Duc Duong, noted that early on, they observed top pickleball players and felt their pace was "too slow" and "too soft," leading them to develop a style that emphasises controlled aggression and breaking the traditional rhythm of the game. This fusion of different sporting disciplines has made Quang a formidable and exciting player to watch.
Olympic Dreams Drive Pickleball Dynamo: Quang Duong Eyes Los Angeles 2028 Representing Vietnam
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – With the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles on the horizon, pickleball prodigy Quang Duong harbours a significant dream: to represent Vietnam on the Olympic stage. As a Vietnamese American, the prospect of competing in his hometown Olympics while representing his heritage serves as a powerful motivator. While currently focused on navigating the highly competitive Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, Quang's long-term aspirations clearly include the potential inclusion of pickleball in the Olympic Games. His dedication and rapid rise in the sport suggest a strong commitment to achieving this ambitious goal, which would mark a historic moment for both Quang and the sport of pickleball in Vietnam.