The second Gia Lai Open Banker Pickleball Tournament brought together 100 bank officials, employees and business representatives at Khanh Quynh Court in Dien Hong ward on October 4.
Players competed in three categories: mixed doubles 5.15, mixed doubles 4.65 and women’s doubles 4.1. Contributions from athletes, businesses and supporters will fund the gifts.
The annual sporting event combines networking with fundraising for students facing financial hardship. Organisers switched from football to pickleball in 2025 to encourage wider participation.
Nguyen Vu Tuong Viet, head of the organising committee, said the tournament gave banking staff and businesspeople an opportunity to meet, exercise and contribute to community activities. Individual donations, he said, could collectively provide meaningful support for pupils in need.
Huynh Mai Linh, a first-time participant from Dien Hong ward, entered both the women’s doubles and mixed doubles 5.15 competitions. She said the charitable purpose helped create a relaxed atmosphere and reduced the pressure to win.
Linh also praised the standard of play. Having initially expected a casual event focused on exercise, she found several pairs more skilful than anticipated.
Matches featured closely contested rallies, with players competing enthusiastically despite the event’s emphasis on social connections and fundraising.
Support for disadvantaged students has remained a regular part of the tournament, linking its sporting programme with contributions to the local community.
