The "gold hunter" of Dong Nai sports

Quietly and without fanfare, Nguyen Thuy Linh, a 28-year-old badminton player, has devoted herself to badminton and Dong Nai sports with unwavering determination and a deep aspiration to reach the pinnacle of success. On that journey, the young athlete, carrying the steel spirit of a “gold hunter,” remains driven by her thirst for victory, striving each day to affirm the standing of Dong Nai sports on Vietnam’s badminton map.

Her journey to badminton

On the courts bathed in white light, Nguyen Thuy Linh's powerful, decisive swings always leave spectators breathless. Few know that behind her confidence and professional playing style lies a long journey full of effort by the young girl from years ago, starting from a simple passion for the racket and shuttlecock.

Born in 1997 in Phu Tho province, Thuy Linh began playing badminton at the age of 10. Her passion for sports was inspired by her maternal grandfather, who was an avid follower of matches and the first to encourage his granddaughter to pick up a racket.

"I came to badminton thanks to my maternal grandfather. At that time, I just liked to play for fun, but gradually I fell in love with it without realizing it," Thuy Linh recounted.

However, Thuy Linh's path to professional sports was far from smooth. At the age of 11, her mother, worried that her daughter was still too young and concerned about the hardships and instability of a sports career, encouraged her to quit and focus on her studies. Linh put aside her racket and returned to school life like any other student. But true passion perhaps is not so easily extinguished. At 14, fate brought her back to badminton, and this time, Thuy Linh made it clear she was determined to pursue the sport to the very end.

Joining the Dong Nai provincial badminton team marked a remarkable turning point in Thuy Linh's career. The professional, high-intensity training environment, with long physical training sessions and days of unsuccessful competition, excited the 16-year-old, as she gained valuable skills and match experience. But at times, it also left her feeling discouraged.

"When I was 16, it was the most difficult period. When I didn't achieve the desired results, my mother thought maybe I should just quit and go to university. But my coach at that time encouraged me a lot. Thanks to that, I persevered in training and achieved better results," Thuy Linh shared.

It was also from those days that the courage of a true athlete was formed. Thuy Linh said that there were times when failure made her very sad, but she never gave up due to pressure.

"Whenever I'm too tired, I allow myself a few days off to think. Then I return to the training court, because I know that only effort will help me move forward," Ms. Thuy Linh confided.

From a little girl passionately holding a racket on the village court, Nguyen Thuy Linh gradually established her place on the Dong Nai badminton team. Her dedication, strong will, and eagerness to learn helped her improve rapidly. Experts have assessed her as a player with well-rounded technique and consistent performance. Many coaches believe Thuy Linh possesses rare competitive grit, always knowing how to handle pressure and turn setbacks into motivation.

For Thuy Linh, every success achieved is the result of continuous training and effort. She does not see badminton as just a profession, but as a way to live a meaningful life, to spread a positive spirit to the younger generation.

"I know many people follow and support me, especially young people. Therefore, I always try to live positively, compete to the best of my ability, and live as a role model to become a good citizen," Thuy Linh confided.

Nguyen Thuy Linh has now become a typical figure in Dong Nai sports, a symbol of unceasing aspiration. This journey not only portrays a talented player but also tells a beautiful story of perseverance, love for sports, and the desire to reach the pinnacle of "golden girl" status in Vietnamese badminton.

Nguyen Thuy Linh, a Vietnamese singles player currently ranked 17th in the world, has had the honor of representing Vietnam twice at the Olympic Games in Tokyo (Japan) and Paris (France). Throughout her career, she has won numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals at national, international, and open badminton tournaments. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Thuy Linh has received multiple certificates of merit from the Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Vietnam Olympic Committee for her role in advancing sports and the Olympic movement in Vietnam.

Dream of not giving up

Looking back at the journey from Thuy Linh's early days of training at home to stepping onto international courts, Ho Nguyen Vinh Quang, head coach of the Dong Nai provincial badminton team at the Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center, could not hide his pride.

"From a very young age, we recognized Thuy Linh's potential. When she joined the provincial team and we traveled together to compete in domestic and international tournaments, those were truly unforgettable days," Quang recounted.

Quang said: "The training and psychological preparation I provided for Thuy Linh before each match helped her feel more at ease going into high-pressure games. And today, as Thuy Linh has achieved a high ranking, I truly feel happy."

Nguyen Thuy Linh, together with the Coaching Staff and members of the Dong Nai provincial badminton team, celebrates their victory after she won the women's singles title.

Quang recalled the early long trips, when Thuy Linh was still hesitant about international courts, unfamiliar with the pressure and the different competitive environment. "Thuy Linh started competing in ranking tournaments at a young age to improve her world standing. She once set foot on an international court for the first time on her own, far from home, far from the team, under immense pressure. But she made the effort to overcome it, turning those difficulties into a springboard for success," Quang shared.

Regarding the factors that make a player like Thuy Linh today, Quang affirmed that there are 3 key factors: superior technical aptitude, a spirit of eagerness to learn, and professionalism in competition.

"In terms of technique, Thuy Linh has more than many other athletes. She knows her strengths but also constantly overcomes her weaknesses. In terms of spirit, Thuy Linh always tries to improve: when training, when competing, and when failing. And finally, when on the court, she maintains a professional demeanor, whether the opponent is stronger or weaker, she respects them, and she fights to the end," Mr. Quang assessed.

Quang also shared the team’s upcoming plans: The Coaching Staff has been advising the Dong Nai Provincial Sports Training and Competition Center to continue investing in Thuy Linh so she can compete in more international tournaments, while also organizing training trips to badminton powerhouses such as Thailand and Indonesia. "The goal is not only to help Thuy Linh continue improving, but also to give young athletes from Dong Nai the opportunity to gain international experience," Quang said.

"I hope young people will always burn with passion, live healthily, and maintain a positive spirit. Enjoy your youth and the journey ahead, give your all for the flag. No matter how difficult it is, as long as you keep trying and believe in yourself, we will definitely reach our goals."

Badminton player NGUYEN THUY LINH

According to Quang, for young athletes in Dong Nai, the Coaching Staff will implement tailored training and competition plans for each age group, creating opportunities for athletes to participate in international training and tournaments. This occasion will help them sharpen their techniques, tactics, and competitive mindset. This endeavor shows that Quang is setting goals not only for Thuy Linh individually, but also for the entire provincial badminton system.

By Le Duy – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho