Da Nang Sport University announced the official launch of a pickleball major, the first program of its kind in Vietnam’s central region.

According to a story published in Tuoi Tre News on Sunday, the program combines tennis and pickleball training with 24 credits equally divided between the two sports.

Almost 20 students have enrolled in the inaugural class for the 2025-26 academic year.

"This is the first formal pickleball training program at a sports university in the central and Central Highlands region," indicated Vice-Rector, Duong Manh Thang. "Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, so sports students can pick it up quickly."

Thang says the program will train teachers, coaches, and sports managers in playing techniques, coaching methods, event organization, and sports management, contributing to the development of the pickleball community and professional competition in the country.

Thang added that several lecturers have completed professional training, with some holding international certifications and previous experience organizing national pickleball tournaments.

Pickleball has gained remarkable popularity in Vietnam in recent years.

Earlier this month, a Guinness World Record crowd of 7,906 fans attended Championship Saturday at the MB Vietnam Cup (PPA Tour Asia) in Da Nang's Tien Son Sports Arena.

Organizers reported that it was the largest pickleball tournament in Asia to date, with nearly 600 players from Vietnam and abroad competing.