Da Nang welcomes 5,000 athletes for Asia’s first Pickleball World Cup
VOV.VN - Around 5,000 athletes from 81 countries and territories will compete at the Heineken Pickleball World Cup 2026 in the central coastal city of Da Nang as the tournament makes its Asian debut.
The official draw for the events took place in Da Nang on August 16. This marks the first time the Pickleball World Cup is being held in Asia, with Da Nang hosting the event on behalf of Vietnam.
Following previous editions in Lima, Peru, in 2024 and Florida, US, in 2025, this year's tournament in Da Nang has drawn 156 national-level teams. The field includes 64 Open teams, 40 Senior teams, 20 Master teams, 16 Junior teams, and 16 Kids teams.
Prominent international players competing in Da Nang include Roos Van Reek (Netherlands); Jack Munro, Vivian Glozman, and Bobbi Oshiro (United States); Jack Wong (Hong Kong, China); Nicola Schoeman (Australia); Harsh Mehta (India); and Jay Devilliers (France).
Vietnam will field teams in three categories: Open, Junior (U18), and Kids (U14). The domestic Open squad features key figures such as Do Minh Quan, Ly Hoang Nam, Quang Duong, Phuc Huynh, Truong Vinh Hien, and Trinh Linh Giang. The Junior team comprises eight players and two reserves, while the Kids squad consists of eight players and one reserve.
The tournament will run from August 30 to September 6 at the Tien Son Sports Palace and other qualified venues across Da Nang.
Tran Phuoc Son, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Council, co-head of the organizing committee, and Chairman of the Da Nang Pickleball Federation, said the city is preparing to welcome competing athletes along with their families, fans, sponsors, media outlets, and the global pickleball community.
Son highlighted that the city particularly values sports as a bridge to connect people, promote tourism and trade, foster cultural exchange, and elevate Da Nang's global image. Da Nang aims to position itself as a dynamic, modern, and internationally integrated hub for major sports, cultural, and entertainment events.
He expressed confidence that Da Nang will become a recognized name when international pickleball destinations are discussed.
"Da Nang is ready to welcome international friends," Son said. "We believe the Heineken Pickleball World Cup 2026 will yield new champions, build friendships, and open new avenues for cooperation between Vietnam and the international community. Beyond event success, the tournament aims to lay a foundation for pickleball's growth in Vietnam and strengthen Da Nang's connection with the global sports community." he added.
Pickleball World Cup 2026 in Da Nang expected to attract around 4,000 participants
VOV.VN - Around 4,000 athletes, coaches, referees, international officials, business representatives, support staff and spectators from 80 countries and territories are expected to take part in the Pickleball World Cup 2026, to be held in the central city of Da Nang from August 30 to September 6.
