When it comes to getting an entire industry together, a pickleball tournament might just do the trick. Vietnam’s construction sector is about to find out, with the 2026 Construction Industry Pickleball Tournament set for 14 November at the US Pickleball Club, 70 An Duong Street, Hanoi.
Construction Newspaper announced the event at a press conference on 27 October. Around 500 athletes from localities across the country are expected to compete in five events, with a total prize pool of 216 million VND.
Fitness, Connections, and a Bit of Friendly Rivalry
The tournament isn’t just about trophies. Organisers say it is meant to encourage officials, civil servants, and employees to keep up a habit of exercise and improve their health, while giving agencies, units and businesses a chance to interact and build connections.
“The tournament not only aims to create a playground for athletes to interact and compete, but also encourages the movement of sports training and improving health throughout the industry,” said Nguyen Thi Hong Nga, Editor-in-Chief of Construction Newspaper and head of the organising committee.
The event also lines up with Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo on 9 September 2025, which outlines breakthrough solutions for protecting, caring for and improving people’s health. And beyond the official matches, organisers plan to set aside venues and time slots for friendly exchanges between participating teams.
Two Categories, Five Events at Construction Industry Pickleball Tournament
The tournament is split into two groups. The Leadership category features Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles, while the Amateur category has Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.
Entry to the Leadership category is restricted. Athletes must hold a position at least equivalent to deputy department head, deputy director, deputy director of a provincial department, deputy institute head, deputy principal, or deputy general director, or a similar leadership or management role, and both members of a pair must qualify. If a unit has only one qualified athlete, that person can be paired with a leader from another unit, as arranged by the organisers.
There is also a Participation Award for officials, civil servants, employees, and personnel currently working at invited units who have been confirmed and nominated by their unit.
Registration Rules for Construction Industry Pickleball Tournament
Registration is centralised. Each agency or unit can enter a maximum of three events: no more than two in the Amateur category and one in the Leadership category, with one pair per event. Each athlete can play in only one event. Individual registrations will not be accepted, and all entries must go through the team leader or a designated contact person.
The deadline is 1 November 2026. Once registration and verification are done, organisers will announce the athlete list, format, group stage, schedule, course layout and technical guidance.
The Prize Money and Logistics
Of the 216 million VND total, 185 million VND is allocated to the five events and 31 million VND to the overall team prizes.
In each event, the champion receives 15 million VND, the runner-up 10 million VND, and the two third-place finishers 6 million VND each. The three overall team prizes are worth 15 million VND for first, 10 million VND for second and 6 million VND for third. Results from both the Leadership and Participation awards count towards the team ranking, with scoring and tie-break rules to be spelled out in the professional plan. Winners also take home trophies and gifts from the organisers and sponsors.
To keep things running on schedule, organisers plan to set up 19 courts at the US Pickleball Club. Management, refereeing, scheduling, and results will be handled through the Picki technology system.
With 500 athletes, five events and a defined prize structure, the tournament aims to become a widespread sporting event across the industry, and, if the organisers have their way, a regular one.
