Thùy Linh: 'The Asian Games Arena is Very Difficult, It Is Not Easy to Win a Medal'

Nguyen Thuy Linh, Vietnam's current top women's singles badminton player, has shared candid insights about her international competitive journey ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. In an interview published by Dan Tri newspaper, the 27-year-old player did not hide the difficulties she and Vietnamese badminton are facing, while expressing her determination to give her all for the nation's colors. Speaking about the Asian Games arena, Thuy Linh acknowledged that it is one of the most grueling tournaments she has ever participated in. The Asian Games brings together the world's top badminton players from China, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and many other nations, all aiming for medals. For Thuy Linh, competing at this level demands meticulous preparation in both physical fitness and mental strength. Nguyen Thuy Linh's journey at the Asian Games has spanned three consecutive editions. Her first appearance was in 2026 in Jakarta, where she was still a young player with limited international experience. By the 2026 edition in Hangzhou, Thuy Linh had grown significantly, accumulating valuable lessons from major tournaments worldwide. She is also one of the few Vietnamese players to have competed at two Olympic Games, a testament to her ability and resilience at the highest level. The year 2026 was full of challenges for Thuy Linh. With Vietnamese badminton lacking robust investment compared to regional powerhouses, she had to independently seek competitive opportunities and improve her skills. Results that fell short of expectations in 2026 forced her to reflect and adjust her strategy. However, those setbacks became valuable lessons for the journey ahead. Sharing her experience from two Olympic appearances, Thuy Linh said she learned a great deal from the world's largest sporting events. She understands that to succeed at the highest level, one must be thoroughly prepared from every angle — from physical fitness and technique to competitive mindset. These lessons will serve as crucial tools to help her overcome challenges at the Asian Games. Notably, the comparison between the Olympics and the Asian Games reveals significant differences in scale and competition. While the Olympics gathers the world's badminton elite, the Asian Games focuses on the strongest players in Asia, a region considered the deepest in the world for the sport. Competition here is fierce not only in the knockout rounds but even in the group stage. Beyond professional challenges, Vietnamese badminton faces considerable hurdles in infrastructure and resources. Compared to countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia, Vietnam lacks a comprehensive professional training system spanning facilities, coaching staff, and expertise. This is a reality that many Vietnamese players, including Thuy Linh, must overcome through sheer willpower and personal determination. A noteworthy point is that Vietnamese badminton has yet to attract investment proportional to its development potential. While other regional nations enjoy abundant sponsorship and high-quality foreign coaching, Vietnamese players largely depend on themselves. This creates a significant gap in skill level compared to rivals across Southeast Asia and Asia. Nevertheless, Thuy Linh remains optimistic and determined. She affirms that no matter how challenging the training and competitive conditions may be, she will always give her utmost effort and continuously strive for the nation's colors. This spirit has been the driving force behind her rise and recognition on the international stage over many years. With experience from two Olympic appearances and three consecutive Asian Games, Thuy Linh has built a solid foundation to confidently enter the new season. She stated she is ready to face any opponent, regardless of their country or world ranking. What matters most to her now is maintaining her form and competing at her full potential. Looking ahead, the 2026 Asian Games represents one of the most important goals in Thuy Linh's career. This tournament is not only an opportunity for her to continue asserting Vietnamese badminton's position on the Asian map but also a chance to test her abilities after a turbulent 2026. Whatever the outcome, Thuy Linh has proven herself as an athlete who constantly strives to surpass her own limits. Thuy Linh's remarks once again demonstrate the resilience of Vietnamese athletes amid limited resources. Her journey is proof that passion and determination can reach great heights even when external conditions are not entirely favorable. Thuy Linh is not only a source of pride for Vietnamese badminton but also a role model for the younger generation of players to follow. As Vietnamese badminton continues on its development path with many challenges ahead, Thuy Linh's fighting spirit carries even greater significance. She represents not just the badminton sport but also the aspirations of Vietnamese sports on the path to international integration. Every match she plays at major arenas is an opportunity to inspire and affirm Vietnam's standing in the global sports community.