Following her recent setbacks at the German Open, Vietnam’s number one female badminton player, Nguyen Thuy Linh, has announced she will temporarily step away from international tournaments to focus on recovering from multiple injuries, regaining physical fitness, and mental rejuvenation.
In October’s European tour, Thuy Linh reached the second round of the Denmark Open Super 750 but was eliminated by world number 11, Supanida Katethong. She then advanced to the quarterfinals at the Hylo Open Super 300 in Germany but struggled against lower-ranked Indian player Malvika Balsod, ultimately losing 15-21, 17-21 after an error-filled performance. Disappointed by her showing, Thuy Linh expressed regret for not meeting the expectations of her fans. “I’ve had a year of continuous competition, from the Paris Olympic qualifiers to numerous tournaments around the world. My body is starting to show signs of overload, and mentally, I feel exhausted,” Thuy Linh told media. “Competing alone abroad is challenging, and despite my determination, there comes a time when both my body and mind feel drained.”
The 27-year-old from Phu Tho is currently dealing with several injuries, including back pain, left heel soreness, and bleeding on her right heel from excessive play and constant movement. As a result, she plans to withdraw from the remaining international tournaments in 2024, starting with the Korea Open, but noted that she must first consult with her coaches, experts, and sports authorities for an optimal recovery plan.
“I never want to appear on the court looking fatigued or uncommitted before a match is decided,” she added. “Maintaining rankings and competing internationally is no longer as crucial, especially since the Paris 2024 Olympics have passed. I want to dedicate time to healing my injuries and recovering both physically and mentally.”
Born on November 20, 1997, in Phu Tho, Thuy Linh began her professional career at the age of 14. Four years later, she claimed the title at the National Excellence Championships in 2015. Since 2018, Thuy Linh has held the title of Vietnam’s top female badminton player, winning the national singles title seven consecutive times. She also achieved three consecutive victories at the Vietnam Open starting in 2022 and represented Vietnam at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics. Currently ranked 31st in the world, Thuy Linh remains one of the nation’s most accomplished athletes in the sport.
As she steps back to focus on recovery, Thuy Linh’s fans and supporters will be eagerly awaiting her return to the court in optimal form, hoping she can continue her impressive career trajectory in the years to come.
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