Over 200 Athletes to Compete in My Thuan Open Badminton Tournament 2026
The My Thuan Badminton Club confirmed on Wednesday that more than 200 athletes from across Southeast Asia will participate in the 2026 My Thuan Open Badminton Tournament, scheduled for July 4–5 at the My Thuan Sports Complex in Tan Ngai, Vietnam. The event, organized by the local badminton association, marks the first major international tournament in the region since the 2023 Asian Badminton Championships.
According to the My Thuan Badminton Club, the tournament will feature singles and doubles categories for both men and women, with participants representing 12 countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The club’s director, Nguyen Van Minh, stated, “This is a significant milestone for Vietnamese badminton. We aim to provide a platform for emerging talent while competing with established regional powerhouses.”
Tournament Details and Structure
The My Thuan Open Badminton Tournament 2026 will take place at the My Thuan Sports Complex, a venue recently upgraded with state-of-the-art facilities. The two-day event will begin at 9:00 AM local time (UTC+7) each day, with matches scheduled in three main courts. The tournament follows the standard Badminton World Federation (BWF) rules, with a maximum of 21 points per game and a best-of-three format.
Participants will be divided into preliminary groups based on skill level, with the top performers advancing to the knockout stages. The finals are expected to draw large crowds, as the venue can accommodate up to 1,500 spectators. Organizers have also arranged for live streaming through the club’s official YouTube channel, allowing global fans to follow the action.
Participation and Categories
The tournament’s participation list includes notable players such as Thailand’s Supanida Katethong, a former BWF World Junior Championship finalist, and Indonesia’s Rizki Amelia Pradipta, who recently claimed a title at the 2025 Indonesia Open. The event will also feature 30 junior athletes under 18, highlighting the club’s commitment to youth development.
“We’ve seen a surge in interest from young athletes in recent years,” said Minh. “The My Thuan Open provides a chance for them to test their skills against international competition.” The tournament’s structure allows for both professional and semi-professional players to compete, with prize money totaling $50,000 for the winners of each category.
Significance for Badminton in Vietnam
The My Thuan Open Badminton Tournament 2026 is seen as a pivotal event for Vietnam’s growing badminton scene. The country has produced several top-ranked players in recent years, including Nguyen Tien Minh, a former world No. 1, and Tran Thanh Huy, who reached the semifinals of the 2024 BWF World Championships. Hosting an international tournament of this scale could further elevate the sport’s profile in the region.
Local media have highlighted the economic impact of the event, with hotels in Tan Ngai reporting 80% occupancy rates for the dates. “This tournament is not just about sports; it’s about tourism and community engagement,” said Minh. “We’ve partnered with local businesses to offer discounts and cultural performances during the event.”
What to Expect
Experts predict the tournament will be highly competitive, with strong representation from Southeast Asian nations. Thailand’s badminton federation has sent a team of 25 players, while Indonesia’s delegation includes three former national champions. The absence of top-ranked players from China and Japan, however, has left some categories open for underdogs.
One key storyline will be the performance of Vietnam’s homegrown talent. The host nation has entered 18 athletes, including rising stars like Le Thi Ngoc and Pham Minh Tri. “This is a chance to prove we can compete at the top level,” said Tri, a 19-year-old from Hanoi. “We’ve trained hard for this moment.”
Next Steps and Confirmation
The My Thuan Badminton Club has scheduled
