With 160 pairs of athletes competing in 5 categories, the 2nd NEU Alumni and Students Pickleball Tournament – 2026 brought a vibrant sports festival, connecting generations of alumni and students in the spirit of teamwork, camaraderie, and attachment to the National Economics University.

University leaders and athletes pose for a commemorative photo at the Tournament

The tournament is one of the meaningful activities aimed at celebrating the 70th anniversary of the National Economics University, while also reaffirming the role of sports in connecting the alumni and student community with the University.

Attending the Opening Ceremony were: Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh – Vice President of the University; MSc. Nguyen Hoang Ha – Head of the Political Affairs and Student Management Department, Standing Member of the Alumni Network Executive Committee; along with leaders of various University units, and a large number of athletes and supporters who are alumni and students from various cohorts of the National Economics University.

Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh – Vice President of the National Economics University delivers a speech

In his speech at the Opening Ceremony, Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh – Vice President of the National Economics University emphasized that sports exchange activities, especially the Alumni and Students Pickleball Tournament, not only contribute to improving the health and spiritual life of alumni, students, staff, and faculty members but also create an environment for generations of learners to meet, interact, share, and strengthen connections. This, in turn, helps build a more cohesive alumni community, enhancing their role in accompanying and contributing to the overall development of the National Economics University.

The Vice President of the University affirmed that organizing the Tournament holds practical significance in the series of activities aimed at celebrating the 70th anniversary of the National Economics University (1956–2026), while also contributing to spreading the spirit of solidarity, encouraging physical training, and preserving and promoting the University’s fine traditional values.

In this year’s tournament, the 2nd NEU Alumni and Students Pickleball Tournament was organized with 160 pairs competing in 5 categories: Men’s Courage, Mixed Courage, Women’s, Men’s Aspiration, and Mixed Aspiration.

In this context, the ‘Fortitude’ category is designated for athletes from K46 and earlier, while the ‘Aspiration’ category is for athletes from K47 onwards.

Specifically, the ‘Fortitude’ Men’s Doubles has 48 pairs; the ‘Fortitude’ Mixed Doubles has 32 pairs; Women’s Doubles has 32 pairs; the ‘Aspiration’ Men’s Doubles has 24 pairs, and the ‘Aspiration’ Mixed Doubles has 24 pairs.

The participation of athletes from various academic cohorts and generations has created a diverse platform, where alumni and former students have the opportunity to meet, compete, and share their pride in the NEU community.

University leaders along with representatives from various units present awards to the athletes

After intense and spirited competitions, the awards in the five categories found their deserving winners.

Fortitude Men’s Doubles

Champion: Truong Quan K33 + Duong Van Nghia K36
Runner-up: Nguyen Vinh Quang K41 + Duong Ngoc Luan K47
Third Place: Nguyen Duc Phuong K39 + Bui Manh Nam K39
Third Place: Lai Quang Dung K41 + Pham Anh Tuan K45

Fortitude Mixed Doubles

Champion: Nguyen Dinh Nam K46 + Bui Thi Huong K46
Runner-up: Nguyen Dinh Tu K46 + Nguyen Thi Dung K46
Third Place: Pham Thai Binh K38 + Tong Thi Huong K38
Third Place: Le Anh Quan K43 + Le Tu Anh K43

Women’s Doubles

Champion: Bui Lan Phuong PhD Candidate K47 + Doan Thanh Tam Master Program 31
Runner-up: Nguyen Thi Hong Van Executive MBA K13 + Luong Thi Nhu Quynh Executive MBA K5
Third Place: Le Phuong K46 + Lan Huong K41 Finance
Third Place: Bich Nguyet K45 + Pham Thanh K45

Aspiration Men’s Doubles

Champions: Phung Trung Kien K51 + Nguyen Thanh Tung K48
Runners-up: Nguyen Thanh Vinh K61 + Nguyen Tien Thinh K62
Third Place: Nguyen Thanh Tung K48 + Duong Dinh Tan K53
Third Place: Tran Minh Tue K46 + Viet Thanh K59

Mixed Doubles Aspiration

Champions: Do Tien Nho K47 + Kieu Thuong Thuong K47
Runners-up: Minh Huy K60 + Tran Tu Uyen K37
Third Place: Nguyen Thanh Dat K53 + Nguyen Ha K53
Third Place: Nguyen Hong Hanh K37 + Nguyen Quoc Trung K58

Beyond the competitions, the value of the tournament is measured not only by trophies or achievements but also by the joy of reunions, handshakes, words of encouragement, and memorable moments among generations of alumni. The passionate and noble spirit of competition, along with the camaraderie on the field, contributed to a sports festival rich in emotions, allowing each meeting to further extend the affection and bond of alumni with the National Economics University.

Notably, the tournament has become a bridge connecting generations of NEU alumni. Differences in academic programs, age, or graduation time are bridged on a common playing field, where everyone shares a passion for sports and love for their alma mater. Through this, sports activities continue to strengthen the bond among generations, enhance the partnership with the University, and spread NEU pride.

As we approach the 70th anniversary of the National Economics University, the tournament has added a beautiful memory to the University’s journey – a place where generations of alumni gather through sports, camaraderie, and pride in their alma mater.

The tournament concludes, but the spirit and connections created will continue to spread within the NEU alumni community.

Some images from the tournament:

Article and photos: Department of Political Affairs & Student Management and Communication Department