Rarely playing tournaments, why did former player Dang Phuong Nam decide to come to the JEEP Pickleball Tournament?

514096506-23885969437750125-708087979785014736-n-7255.jpg

JEEP Pickleball Tournament by Tien Phong Newspaper - For children with difficult circumstances is happy to welcome a very special athlete. That is former football star Dang Phuong Nam, who spent his entire career in The Cong, won the national football championship in 1998 and devoted 11 years to the Vietnam national team.

Originally a famous striker with smart movement, good positioning and excellent finishing, Dang Phuong Nam now shows his flexibility and technique on the pickleball court. Sharing with Tien Phong newspaper reporter, he revealed that he has been playing this sport for 9 months.

"After retiring, I played tennis, but gradually felt that the sport was a bit too heavy for me, so I took a break for about 6 or 7 years," said the former player born in 1976. "Then I realized that pickleball was more suitable, because the intensity of movement was not too high, the rules were simple and easy to understand, and the court range was moderate. After playing pickleball for a while, I discovered that this sport has many technical moves and requires sophisticated tactics. This stimulated my curiosity and desire to explore , making me even more attracted."

Famous player Dang Phuong Nam on the pickleball court.

However, with humility, Dang Phuong Nam said that he plays pickleball to improve his health and socialize, looking for a fun time with friends, instead of focusing on achievements or improving his skills. Besides, because of his busy work schedule, participating in coaching, training young people and commentating on sports, he rarely competes in pickleball tournaments.

As for the JEEP Pickleball Tournament by Tien Phong Newspaper - For children in difficult circumstances , it is different. "I am very excited to participate because of the noble purpose of the tournament", he shared, "Not only does it have sporting significance, the tournament also acts as a bridge of compassion, raising funds to support children in difficult circumstances at the National Children's Hospital. There is nothing better than coming to a tournament with many friends competing, contributing to bringing good values to the community".

JEEP Pickleball Tournament by Tien Phong Newspaper - For disadvantaged children was held on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day (October 13, 2004 - October 13, 2025) in addition to the purpose of expressing gratitude to generations of entrepreneurs and those who have contributed to the cause of economic development, creating a useful, energetic playground and enhancing exchanges, also raising funds to support disadvantaged children at the National Children's Hospital. Each ball, each match is an act of sharing, a heart of kindness for the community.

In addition to famous player Dang Phuong Nam, the JEEP Pickleball Tournament by Tien Phong Newspaper - For disadvantaged children also welcomed Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen - Deputy Director of the Department of Sports and Physical Training, Ms. Trang Trinh - General Secretary of the Vietnam Skating and Roller Federation, Olympic shooting champion Hoang Xuan Vinh and nearly 200 athletes.

The tournament kicked off on October 18 with two events, Men's Doubles and Mixed Doubles, divided into two age groups, under 40 years old and 40 years old and over. Athletes checked in at 6:30 and the Opening Ceremony took place at 7:00, then entered the group stage at 7:30. The quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals are expected to take place from 12:00 to 13:30. The award ceremony and closing ceremony will be held immediately after at HappyLand Pickleball Complex - 139 Dam Quang Trung, Long Bien, Hanoi.