Nguyen Thuy Linh: 'The Asian Games arena is very harsh, it is not easy to win a medal'

Nguyen Thuy Linh, Vietnam's No. 1 player in women's singles badminton, has just shared her frank thoughts about the preparation journey for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. In a conversation with Dan Tri reporters, she did not avoid the harsh reality: 'The Asian Games arena is very harsh, it is not easy to win a medal.' That statement is not pessimism, but a well-founded admission from her own experiences at three consecutive Asian Games and two Olympic appearances. Thuy Linh was born in 2026 and started playing badminton at the age of 10. She quickly proved her talent and became a pillar of the national team. As of now, Thuy Linh has participated in three consecutive Asian Games and has qualified for the Olympics twice. Her rich international experience is valuable baggage, but also a great pressure as she enters this year's tournament. What stands out in Thuy Linh's sharing is not just her high assessment of the opponents' strength, but also the systemic issues she frankly mentioned. According to the player from Lam Dong, the Vietnamese badminton team lacks foreign coaches at the national team level, while many countries in the region such as Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea all have more methodical and professional investment. She also said the funding for the sport is still limited, directly affecting the training, competition, and recovery plans of athletes. 'Looking back at 2026, my results were not as expected. That made me think a lot about my training methods and tactics,' Thuy Linh confided. She admitted that the lack of a foreign expert to point out blind spots in her style of play is a major disadvantage. In strong badminton nations, having coaches from Denmark, South Korea, or Japan is common, helping players access modern training methods, analyze opponent data, and build suitable tactics for each match. It is no coincidence that Thuy Linh has such concerns. She is one of the few Vietnamese players capable of competing on the international stage, but to maintain her level and aim for medals at major tournaments like the Asian Games, she needs a better support system. 'We try our best within current conditions, but we cannot deny the difference in investment between Vietnam and our opponents,' she added. The key lies in how to perceive the 'gaps' in tactics and the operation of the national team. In badminton, the gap on court is the decisive factor between winning and losing. But on a more macro level, the gap between the Vietnamese team and regional opponents lies in preparation. A team with foreign experts, a long-term training plan, and stable financial resources will always have a big advantage before stepping onto the court. Thuy Linh shared that she and her teammates still maintain hard training at the National Sports Training Center. Her schedule often starts early in the morning with physical exercises, followed by technique and tactics on court. Despite a heavy training load, she always tries to stay optimistic and disciplined. 'I tell myself I have to do my best, because fans always expect from me,' she expressed. One of Thuy Linh's biggest concerns is that she has had to manage on her own for many years. Unlike opponents who have the support of expert teams, she often has to find out and learn lessons by herself through each match. This shows her great will and effort as an individual, but it also reveals the reality that Vietnamese badminton still relies on exceptional individuals rather than a strong system. During the preparation for the Asian Games, Thuy Linh pays special attention to improving her movement and defense. She realizes that to compete with Asia's top players, maintaining stamina in long rallies is crucial. Hours-long practice sessions are common, but she believes 'there is no shortcut to success'. The story of Nguyen Thuy Linh is a typical story of Vietnamese athletes having to overcome difficulties in a context where investment resources are still limited. She is not just a talented player, but also a fighter on the path to affirming the position of Vietnamese badminton on the continental map. When asked about specific goals at this Asian Games, Thuy Linh smiled and answered cautiously: 'I will try my best, play well in every match. A medal is what everyone hopes for, but I understand this arena is not easy. The most important thing is to deliver good matches and not disappoint the fans and the coaching staff.' After that statement, Vietnamese badminton fans will be waiting for Nguyen Thuy Linh's performance in Japan. With the current force, her making a surprise is not impossible, but with a steel spirit and careful preparation, everything can happen. Her first match at the 20th Asian Games will be an important measure of the performance of Vietnam's No. 1 female player.