Vietnam Open 2026: Nguyễn Tiến Minh wins qualifier, the 43-year-old veteran still shows his mettle

This morning at Nguyen Du Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City, a moment made Vietnamese badminton fans emotional. Nguyen Tien Minh, a player just turned 43, stood in the center of the court, waving his racket to the crowd after winning a qualifying match at the Vietnam Open 2026. He beat Nguyen Hoang Thai Son, a player 20 years younger, with a score of 2-0. But the notable thing is not the score. It is how a veteran is still finding joy in small matches, at a BWF Super 100 tournament. The Vietnam Open 2026 has attracted more than 300 players from 27 countries and territories. This is a Super 100-level event, a place to earn ranking points and gain experience, not a prestigious arena like Super 750 or 1000. For Nguyen Tien Minh, this remains part of his more than two-decade journey. A former world No. 5 in 2026, Minh currently ranks 254th at age 43, a number that no longer reflects his past class but proves his remarkable perseverance. In the match against Nguyen Hoang Thai Son, known more for doubles, Minh displayed smart, experienced play. Thai Son had youthful endurance, speed, and power, but his specialization in singles is limited. Experts point out that Minh exploited gaps a doubles player often leaves when switching to singles: poor court movement, unstable serve returns, and especially weaker tactical reading. Minh no longer dashes as before, but he reads the match like a book. He said after the match: “I don’t run after every shuttle anymore. I have to use my head more. Thai Son has strength but not enough singles tactics. I exploited that.” Beyond this victory, Minh’s continued play highlights a difficult generational transition for Vietnamese badminton. Le Duc Phat, a leading hope, is struggling with knee and heel injuries, relying on pain relief injections. Nguyen Hai Dang lost early in qualification. Vietnamese women’s singles player Nguyen Thuy Linh will face 19-year-old Xu Wen Jing. The shortage of young talent is evident. One must not overinterpret a qualifying win at a Super 100 event. But is a reminder that Vietnam needs a strategic plan to develop young players, rather than relying on a 43-year-old hero. Nguyen Tien Minh’s presence should be both an inspiration and a wake-up call. If the system is not improved, badminton in Vietnam will continue to depend on legends. For now, Minh moves on to face Zhe Ying Wu in the main draw. Whether he continues or stops soon, his journey here already embodies passion. This is the spirit that makes him a living legend.