Da Nang responds to backlash over school pickleball rollout

The April 11 document, issued by the Da Nang Department of Education and Training, encouraged schools to begin training in pickleball, a paddle sport combining characteristics of tennis, badminton and table tennis.

The move sparked debate online, with some mistaking it as the introduction of a mandatory subject.

In response, Tran Nguyen Minh Thanh, deputy director of the department, said the initiative is entirely voluntary and aimed at meeting growing interest among students and teachers.

Schools can opt in based on their facilities and demand, he said.

“Pickleball is already included in the list of officially recognized sports by the Sports Authority of Vietnam, but it is not a compulsory part of the physical education curriculum,” Thnh said.

Some schools, such as Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted, have already established informal pickleball clubs.

The new guidance, officials said, aims to standardize training, ensure safety, and offer access to equipment and certified coaches in cooperation with the Da Nang Pickleball Federation.

The department also clarified that no schools are required to build or renovate courts.

Existing facilities can be adapted depending on each school’s conditions.

To further promote the sport, Da Nang’s education department plans to hold a citywide pickleball tournament for teachers and staff in August.

A student competition could follow if there is sufficient interest.

Public reaction to the move has been divided.

Supporters welcomed the introduction of a new sport to diversify physical activities in schools.

However, critics cited confusion over the sport’s rules, unfamiliarity among students and teachers, and concerns over the appropriateness of competition attire in a school setting.

Images from past tournaments circulated online have also sparked controversy, while debates over prize money and refereeing in pickleball events have raised questions about the sport’s professionalism in Vietnam.

Unofficial estimates suggest that around 30,000 people now play pickleball in Vietnam, nearly double the number in 2024.

A growing number of clubs and tournaments, including a national championship earlier this year, reflect the sport’s rapid rise in popularity.