43-year-old Nguyen Tien Minh still shines in Vietnam Open 2026 qualifiers: Vietnam's badminton generational problem

While Vietnamese badminton fans focus on Le Duc Phat – the injured top player – an old name suddenly reminds us that time cannot erase class. Nguyen Tien Minh, aged 43, just passed the Vietnam Open 2026 (Super 100) qualifiers after defeating younger Nguyen Hoang Thai Son, a doubles specialist. The match took place on September 8 in Ho Chi Minh City, where the tournament gathered over 300 athletes from 27 countries and territories. The victory helps Minh advance directly to the main draw, where he will face Zhe Ying Wu (Taiwan), a higher-ranked opponent. But the notable thing is not just the score, but how a veteran can still make a difference in a professional tournament. Nguyen Hoang Thai Son is 15 years younger, has strength and speed, but lacks experience in extended singles rallies. Minh exploited this thoroughly with subtle net shots and smart movement, forcing the opponent to chase the shuttle constantly. This cannot be measured by smash speed or rally count; it is what statistics never tell: experience. Minh has said he does not feel pressure when facing young players. He simply enjoys every moment on court, seeing it as a way to prove that passion has no age. That calmness turns out to be the most effective weapon of the veteran. But looking at the whole team, Minh's victory is also a wake-up call. Le Duc Phat – the number one hope – must inject painkillers in his knee and heel before every match. Nguyen Hai Dang stopped at the qualifying round. In women's singles, Nguyen Thuy Linh faces 19-year-old talent Xu Wen Jing (Taiwan). The next generation is not yet ready to take over. On a positive note, Vietnam Open 2026 is a Super 100 event where Vietnamese players can earn ranking points and gain international experience. However, the absence of top Asian players makes Minh's victory less significant. This is the time for Vietnamese badminton to have a long-term strategy, not always rely on veterans in their forties. A record does not need an audience to exist; it needs someone willing to listen – and the voice of the young generation is being neglected. This year's Vietnam Open, with over 300 athletes, is a golden opportunity for young players to learn. But without proper investment, we will continue to watch Minh compete at 45, 46, and that is not sustainable. The rhythm I hated most turned out to bring me back to my own beat – for Minh, that is how he still finds joy on court. For Vietnamese badminton, it is time to count the rhythm from the beginning.