Pickleball wheelchairs are becoming widespread in Vietnam: new opportunities.
The movement is spreading in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City: VDADC has about 40 participants (50/50 wheelchair users and those with limb disabilities); Ho Chi Minh City has nearly 30. The barrier: specialized vehicles cost 100 million VND.
No longer a quiet experiment, wheelchair pickleball is gaining momentum in Vietnam. From Tu Hoang Stadium (Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi) to clubs in Ho Chi Minh City, the movement is seeing a steady increase in participants, with clear training frameworks and a structured competition approach. According to VDADC, in Hanoi alone, there are approximately 40 people practicing regularly, with a 50/50 ratio of wheelchair users and people with limb disabilities.
Hanoi takes the lead: training sessions are held weekly, and the curriculum is localized for the Vietnamese market.
At Tu Hoang Stadium, training sessions are held regularly every week with the participation of VDADC members. Pickleball was introduced on a trial basis in March 2025 and quickly attracted wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. Not stopping at just a movement, the coaches organize technical training according to a structured program:
- Hold the racket and control the racket face.
- Move the wheelchair across the field.
- Predicting the direction of the ball
- Coordination when playing doubles
Foreign training programs are adapted to suit the physical condition of Vietnamese players, resulting in more effective and safer training rhythms.
Ho Chi Minh City and other localities join the effort.
Alongside Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City has had a Para Pickleball Club operating since 2023, currently with nearly 30 members who regularly participate. Communities for players with disabilities are also forming in Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, and Can Tho. Hanoi is preparing to host the second Hanoi Open Para Pickleball Tournament in early December, adding another highlight to the standardization process of the competition system.
| Area | Unit | Number | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | VDADC | Approximately 40 | 50/50 wheelchair and limb disability |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Para Pickleball Club | Nearly 30 | Operating since 2023 |
Why are wheelchair pickleballs suitable?
The game's structure clearly supports people with disabilities: small court, moderate pace, relatively simple racket techniques, andThe rules of the competition have been adjusted for wheelchair racers.The combination of physical activity, teamwork, and social interaction helps players improve their health, mental well-being, and social integration. It also forms the foundation for rehabilitation in a competitive yet friendly sporting environment.
Equipment and venue bottlenecks
The biggest obstacle currently is equipment: a specialized wheelchair for pickleball costs around 100 million VND. Due to limited funds, many players have to use their regular wheelchairs, making maneuvering and safety difficult when cutting or accelerating.
Furthermore, renting a golf course is hampered by concerns from some owners about damage to the surface caused by the wheels. While specialized rubber tires do not affect course quality according to standards, changing the awareness and beliefs of the operators will take time.
Impact and prospects
The increasing community participation and systematic training efforts show that wheelchair pickleball is moving from an experimental phase to strong growth in Vietnam. The next steps are clearly defined: investing in equipment, standardizing the tournament system, and expanding the training network. Once these obstacles are overcome, the movement can become sustainable, opening more opportunities for competition for people with disabilities and contributing to an inclusive sports ecosystem.
The numbers are noteworthy.
- Approximately 40 people regularly train at VDADC (Hanoi), with a 50/50 ratio between wheelchair users and people with limb disabilities.
- Ho Chi Minh City has nearly 30 active members since 2023.
- Specialized wheelchairs for pickleball use cost around 100 million VND.
- Hanoi is preparing to host the second Hanoi Open Para Pickleball Tournament in early December.
