Cover Badminton player Nguyen Thuy Linh
Badminton player Nguyen Thuy Linh
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To mark Vietnam Sports Day, Tatler Vietnam sat down with badminton star Nguyen Thuy Linh—Vietnam’s No. 1 player and currently ranked 27th in the world—to discuss her training regime and future ambitions.
Nguyen Thuy Linh stands as Vietnam’s top badminton player, holding the 27th position in the global rankings. Born in 1997, she has represented her country on numerous occasions, competing in major tournaments such as the SEA Games, ASIAD, and the upcoming 2025 Paris Olympics.
Her success is not a matter of chance. It is the product of discipline, rigorous training, and relentless determination. Recently, Nguyen Thuy Linh further cemented her status by securing the runner-up position at the 2025 German Open, following a fiercely contested final against world No. 13 Jia Min Yeo. This achievement not only underscores Nguyen Thuy Linh’s consistent performance but also serves as an inspiration for young athletes pursuing a career in professional sport.
In conversation with Tatler, Nguyen Thuy Linh opened up about her disciplined approach to training, the pressures of competition, and the daily rituals that fuel her passion.
Nguyen Thuy Linh began her career at the Hanoi Badminton Club before moving to Da Nang and later joining Dong Nai. At 18, she made her SEA Games debut in 2015—a pivotal moment in her professional journey. Just a year later, she claimed her first international title at the Nepal International, breaking into the women’s singles top 100 for the first time.
Discussing her training routine, Thuy Linh revealed that she spends around six hours on the court each day, split into two sessions. Mornings typically last four hours, focusing on technique and physical conditioning, while the afternoon is dedicated to two hours of tactical drills. She also has a unique way of starting each day—journaling or meditating as a reminder of her goals and the challenges ahead. ‘Every day is a new challenge, and I take it step by step. One day, I will be better than I was yesterday,’ she reflected. Beyond technical prowess, she emphasises the importance of tactical awareness, physical endurance, and, above all, the mental resilience required to achieve greatness.
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That disciplined mindset is the foundation that allows her to handle intense pressure on the international stage. In major tournaments such as the Olympics, ASIAD, and the SEA Games, Thuy Linh remains highly focused—studying her opponents, recognising her own weaknesses, and maintaining an unshakable fighting spirit.
Even in unpredictable circumstances, she refuses to let setbacks affect her. At the 2025 Swiss Open, her match schedule was abruptly altered due to three last-minute player withdrawals. Despite the unexpected changes, she stayed composed, competing with determination and resilience.
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Thuy Linh’s confidence stems not only from her mental strength but also from a solid physical foundation. Her training sessions have been carefully structured in recent months. Beyond refining her technique, the Vietnam Badminton Team’s coaching staff have placed a strong emphasis on physical conditioning and endurance. These tailored exercises have optimised her movement, enhancing her speed and agility on the court.
Few realise that at the end of 2024, Thuy Linh was forced to take a break from competition due to a back injury. Her coaches opted for caution, prioritising rehabilitation and physical therapy over immediate returns to the game. That pause became a valuable opportunity—allowing her to rebuild endurance, listen to her body, and strengthen her resilience ahead of the season’s most demanding tournaments.
That meticulous preparation paid off when Thuy Linh staged a remarkable comeback in early 2025. With unwavering determination, she delivered a standout performance at the German Open, finishing as runner-up after a gripping final against world No. 13 Jia Min Yeo. This was not only a milestone in her career but also a testament to her perseverance, the result of tireless training and overcoming physical limitations.
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Above Nguyen Thuy Linh celebrates her runner-up finish at the 2025 German Open
Nguyen Thuy Linh celebrates her runner-up finish at the 2025 German Open
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Looking ahead, she has set her sights on climbing the world rankings and preparing meticulously for three major tournaments this year: the Asian Championship, the World Championship, and the SEA Games in Thailand. To young athletes pursuing professional sport, she offers this advice: beyond talent, discipline and relentless effort are what push individuals to their limits. ‘Always believe in yourself, love what you do, and give yourself the opportunity to experience everything. The greatest victory is overcoming yourself,’ she reflects.
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