Pickleball’s rise in Asia has taken another step forward, this time with a splash of corporate backing. BrilliA Incorporated has thrown its weight behind the Mr & Miss Pickleball Vietnam 2026 tournament, held earlier this month at Ho Tram resort.
The event brought together competitive and recreational players from across the region, but it was more than just rallies and volleys. BrilliA used the occasion to showcase its Diana footwear and apparel line, complete with product displays and on‑site activations. It was a clear signal: pickleball is no longer just a pastime—it’s a platform for brands to connect directly with communities.
Why Vietnam, Why Now
BrilliA’s chief executive, Kendrew Hartanto, described Vietnam as one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting pickleball markets. He noted that the sport is still in its early stages of growth, but the company sees long‑term potential. Sponsorship, he explained, is part of a wider strategy to build Diana’s profile by engaging with players and fans where the action happens.
Industry research has already pegged the global pickleball equipment and apparel market at $2 to $3 billion by 2025, with Asia‑Pacific tipped as the fastest‑growing region. BrilliA’s move fits neatly into that narrative. Vietnam joins Malaysia and Singapore as key markets where the company is looking to make its mark.
A Tournament With Star Power
The competition gave players a stage to display both talent and passion. In the final, Team Elite Star proved dominant, sweeping Team Phê Pickleball 3‑0 across men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Their victory earned them the championship trophy and prizes worth over 400 million VND. Team Phê Pickleball, featuring Nguyen Van Lam, Tran Huu Tai, Nguyen Thi Huong Ly, and Le Vu Dan Phuong, finished runner‑up and took home prizes valued at over 40 million VND.
Meanwhile, Team Fulla edged Team Honeycomb in a nail‑biting third‑place match, clinching a 21‑20 tie‑breaker to secure their spot on the podium. Their reward totalled more than 20 million VND.
Beyond the team battles, the tournament crowned its individual stars. Tennis player Valentin Tran was named Mr Pickleball Vietnam, while Pham Thi Anh Vuong claimed the Miss Pickleball Vietnam title. Each received 50 million VND, along with a crown and scepter—symbols of pickleball’s growing prestige in the region.
Spectators were treated to exhibition games featuring Vietnam’s top female tennis player, Sophia Phuong Anh, alongside vibrant music, lighting effects, and food stalls. Event director Joshua Turner summed it up neatly: “We are delighted that the tournament has concluded successfully, receiving much praise from everyone, from artists, businesspeople, professional athletes, and spectators alike.”
BrilliA’s Bet on Pickleball
For BrilliA, the sponsorship was a chance to spotlight Diana’s active lifestyle range while engaging directly with the pickleball community. CEO Kendrew Hartanto described Vietnam as one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting pickleball markets, still in its early growth phase but brimming with potential.
Industry research estimates the global pickleball equipment and apparel market could reach $2 to $3 billion by 2025, with Asia‑Pacific leading the charge. BrilliA’s presence in Vietnam, alongside moves in Malaysia and Singapore, shows how brands are positioning themselves early in the sport’s rise.
Pickleball is no longer just a game played in converted warehouses or borrowed courts—it is becoming a commercial stage. With companies like BrilliA stepping in, the sport’s trajectory in Asia looks set to accelerate, blending competition, community, and commerce in equal measure.
