After a series of exciting and highly competitive matches, two representatives from the FV Hospital Pickleball Club, Ms Pham Thi Thanh and Ms Pham Thi Truc Phuong, both from the West Wing Surgery Department, delivered an impressive performance, securing the runner-up position in the Women’s Doubles category at the 2026 Tan My Ward Pickleball Open.

What began as “exercise” became a podium achievement

This achievement did not come by chance. It was the result of a sustained and disciplined effort over more than 18 months. Beginning in March 2025, with the initial aim of maintaining fitness after long and demanding hospital shifts, the two players trained consistently three to four times per week, with some sessions extending to two to three hours.

Overcoming 20 competing pairs to reach the final was a clear result of their dedicated training efforts.

Despite busy schedules caring for patients and working night shifts, their strong passion for pickleball kept them committed to the sport. “Training is not just a recreational activity; it also helps us recharge after long and tiring working hours,” Ms Pham Thi Thanh shared.

Competing in a large-scale tournament with more than 200 players, including 20 women’s doubles pairs, FV’s representatives were placed in a highly competitive group against exceptionally strong opponents. In their opening match, the FV women’s pair faced the reigning champions of the season and, despite a determined effort, were unable to secure a win in their first match.

The runner-up pair gave special thanks to their “coach”, Dr Vu Truong Son (centre).

However, driven by their determination to compete for FV’s colours, together with close tactical guidance from Dr Vu Truong Son (Medical Director) and strong on-court coordination built through months of training together, the West Wing Surgery duo staged a remarkable comeback. They progressed through the quarter-finals and semi-finals, reached the final, and narrowly fell short in the deciding match, bringing home a well-earned and prestigious runner-up trophy.

Promoting sports culture and strengthening community engagement

The success of Ms Thanh and Ms Phuong is a strong testament to the rapid growth of pickleball at FV Hospital. Established in August 2025, the FV Pickleball Club is not only a platform that brings together staff across departments, including doctors, nurses, and administrative teams, but also a bridge for FV to connect and engage with other healthcare organisations and businesses in the local community.

The runner-up pair hope to see sports activities continue to thrive at FV.

FV Hospital actively supports its internal sports clubs, enabling staff to take part in regional tournaments that promote physical wellbeing and strengthen community connections. This commitment will continue throughout 2026, helping to encourage a healthy lifestyle while fostering an energetic, united, and positive working environment.

FV players during a friendly exchange with the People’s Police Pickleball Club in early September 2025.

“We joined the tournament with a learning mindset, but once we stepped onto the court, the responsibility of representing FV pushed us to give our absolute best, beyond even our own expectations,” the runner-up pair shared enthusiastically after the tournament.

Congratulations to FV’s two outstanding female players. May this achievement continue to inspire and energise FV Hospital’s sports culture, encouraging it to grow even stronger in the years ahead.