Thùy Linh speaks out about Asian Games pressure: 'This arena is very harsh, it is not easy to win a medal'

Nguyen Thuy Linh, Vietnam's leading badminton hope on the international stage, has shared candid insights about her ambitions and pressures ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. With experience from three consecutive Asian Games and two Olympic appearances, Vietnam's top shuttler understands better than anyone the challenges that lie ahead. In an interview with Dan Tri, Nguyen Thuy Linh did not hide her concerns about the competition at the event to be held in Japan later this year. 'The Asian Games arena is very harsh,' she said. 'It is not easy to just walk in and win a medal. Every match is a real challenge, where you have to face the top shuttlers in Asia.' The reality of Asian badminton is not for the faint-hearted. On the current world rankings, the Asian region accounts for nearly 70% of positions in the top 50 women's singles. This is where legends like Akane Yamaguchi, An Se-young, and Tai Tzu-ying converge - names that have dominated the world badminton scene for many years. The year 2026 was viewed as not particularly successful for Nguyen Thuy Linh. While she maintained her position in the world top 50, she did not leave a significant mark at major tournaments. The series of results that fell short of expectations raised questions about her ability to compete at the highest level as rivals grow stronger. However, it is noteworthy that Thuy Linh remains steadfast with her current training regimen. Unlike many Asian shuttlers with abundant financial resources to hire foreign coaches and train at world-class centers, Vietnam's national badminton team faces significant limitations in terms of facilities and expertise. According to experts, the gap in standards between Vietnam and leading regional countries like Indonesia, Thailand, or Malaysia is becoming increasingly evident. While these teams possess professional training systems with multiple foreign expert coaches, Vietnam is still in the process of building a foundation for the sport. Nguyen Thuy Linh is no stranger to challenges. She has traveled a long journey from beginning badminton to becoming Vietnam's top shuttler. Born and raised in a country without a strong badminton tradition, she had to forge her own path to the top. Two Olympic appearances - at Tokyo 2026 and Paris 2026 - are testament to her relentless efforts. Each time she steps onto the Olympic courts, Thuy Linh carries the hopes of an entire nation yearning for a breakthrough achievement in this sport. But what exactly are the challenges she faces at the Asian Games? First, technically, Asian badminton has reached new heights, with increasingly sophisticated reflexes, power, and tactics. Top shuttlers are not only skilled in individual technique but are also supported by professional data analysis teams, scientific nutrition systems, and training schedules designed specifically for each individual. Second, psychologically, the pressure from fan expectations and media attention can significantly affect competitive performance. Thuy Linh, as Vietnam's number one shuttler, always faces special attention from domestic public opinion whenever she participates in major tournaments. Third, physically, training regimes in Vietnam cannot compare with leading Asian badminton centers such as Indonesia's National Training Center or Malaysia's Youth Talent Development Center. This raises questions about whether Thuy Linh has sufficient conditions to compete at the highest level. Faced with these difficulties, Thuy Linh remains resolute. She understands that winning a medal at the Asian Games is a daunting task, but not impossible. 'I know exactly what I'm facing,' she shared. 'But I also know that with just one excellent performance, anything can happen.' Thuy Linh's philosophy reflects the spirit of an athlete always moving forward despite obstacles. Throughout her career, she has proven that willpower and perseverance can compensate for material deficiencies. From humble training rooms in Hanoi to the world's most prestigious courts, her journey is testament to the power of dreams and determination. However, experts also note that for Vietnamese badminton to truly compete at the continental level, systemic changes are needed. Investing in youth development, building modern facilities, and attracting experienced foreign experts are necessary steps to elevate the team's standards. The 2026 Asian Games will be a measure of Thuy Linh and Vietnamese badminton's efforts in recent times. Whatever the outcome, she is writing an inspiring story about relentlessly pursuing dreams despite all difficulties. Ahead of the Asian Games, everyone is waiting to see whether Nguyen Thuy Linh can create a surprise at this harsh arena. With the spirit of 'not easy to win a medal' but 'always giving my best,' she is ready for the upcoming challenge. Thuy Linh's story is not just about a badminton player, but a symbol of Vietnam's sporting ambitions on the international arena. In a context where more and more countries are investing heavily in sports, Vietnam is seeking its own path to assert its position. The upcoming Asian Games will be an opportunity for Thuy Linh to once again prove her worth. Whatever the outcome, her journey has inspired a generation of young Vietnamese athletes that no dream is too far, as long as we dare to pursue it to the end. As Thuy Linh said, 'This arena is very harsh, but that very harshness creates the value of victory.' And perhaps, that is also the message she wants to convey to all those pursuing their dreams in every field: be persistent, work hard, and never give up, because only those who dare to face difficulties can reach success.