Vietnam's top female billiards player frustrated over self-funded international competition

Nhi, 25, Vietnam's top female three-cushion player, made history on Sept. 13 by becoming the first Vietnamese woman to win a world bronze medal at the tournament in France. She had previously won a silver medal at the SEA Games 32 and claimed the national championship titles in 2023 and 2024.

After the 2024 World Three-Cushion Championship, Nhi took to her Facebook account to voice her frustration with the VBSF. She revealed that she and fellow player Phung Kien Tuong had to cover the costs of participation with their own money, amounting to around VND55 million ($2,238). This included airfare, visa fees, travel expenses and food for six days, while the World Billiards Union (UMB) covered their hotel expenses.

The VBSF announced the list of athletes to compete at the tournament including Nhi, Tuong and team leader Nguyen Viet Hoa, head of the VBSF Professional and Training Department, on Aug. 6. It stated that "the expenses would be covered by the provincial federations of the athletes", which is Da Nang for Nhi and Ba Ria-Vung Tau for Tuong.

According to VBSF general secretary Doan Tuan Anh, the federation had informed the athletes that they would need to self-fund or rely on their respective provincial federations for financial support. He explained that both parties had agreed to these terms before the athletes were sent to the competition.

However, Nhi said due to the state mechanism governing the Da Nang Billiards & Snooker Federation, her participation in the competition was not included in their budget for the year, resulting in zero financial support from the federation.

Nhi won a bronze medal and was awarded €4,000 ($4,453), while Tuong reached the round of 16 and received €2,000 ($2,226), just enough to cover the tournament expenses. Nhi also received VND29.5 million and $1,700 in bonuses from domestic organizations and individuals. After Nhi's story made the news, she received many offers of financial assistance but she declined them.

In her Facebook post, Nhi also raised concerns about the fees that VBSF collected from athletes. She noted that each athlete must pay VND200,000 ($8.13) for a membership card, along with an annual membership fee of VND500,000. Additionally, the entry fees for the VBSF Cup are VND500,000 for men's three-cushion event and VND300,000 for men's single-cushion and women's three-cushion. Nhi's monthly salary is about VND11.5 million.

"Where did that money go?" she asked about the fees collected. "VBSF collects fees but hasn't provided any support for athletes representing Vietnam in international competitions."

In response, VBSF general secretary Anh explained that the total annual revenue from membership fees is around VND350 million, which is insufficient to cover the federation's expenses. The prize pool for two major tournaments of the federation alone amounts to VND700 million. He added that the federation relies on sponsorships to fund its tournaments and other activities.

Nhi’s story has highlighted the broader issue of the federation's role in supporting professional athletes. Similar to athletes in badminton and tennis, Vietnamese billiards players often rely on city/provincial budgets or their own funds to compete, and use prize money and sponsorships to offset their expenses. Many national sports federations only have enough funding to maintain basic operations.

According to sports expert Nguyen Hong Minh, national federations must fulfill their role as professional social organizations.

"The VBSF isn't wrong in its decision, but it must take responsibility to ensure athletes don't feel abandoned," he said. "Top athletes like Nhi deserve more support, as their achievements also benefit the federation."