The Vietnamese badminton delegation concluded its campaign at the 20th Asian Games (ASIAD 20) in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 27, exiting the tournament without a single medal. Nguyễn Hải Đăng became the last remaining competitor for the country, falling in the third round of the men’s singles event.
Final Matches Seal Early Exit in Aichi-Nagoya
Nguyễn Hải Đăng faced Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the tournament’s number two seed, in the third round of the men’s singles. Hải Đăng dropped the match in straight sets, losing 0-2 with set scores of 16-21 and 14-21. The defeat brought an official close to the national team’s run at the Games.
Earlier during the same day of competition, the men’s doubles pairing of Nguyễn Đình Hoàng and Trần Đình Mạnh also bowed out of the tournament. They suffered a 0-2 defeat against Indonesia’s Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin.
Disappointment in Singles and Doubles Divisions
Prior to the final day of Vietnamese competition, top medal hopeful Nguyễn Thùy Linh exited the women’s singles tournament in the third round. Her defeat maintains a career trend at the continental multi-sport event, as she has never advanced past the round of 16 to reach the quarterfinals of the women’s singles draw.
The women’s doubles pair of Phạm Thị Khánh and Phạm Thị Diệu Ly alongside the mixed doubles duo of Trần Đình Mạnh and Phạm Thị Khánh were eliminated in their respective early rounds.
Two Decades of Continental Challenges
Vietnamese badminton has participated in the Asian Games since the 15th edition in 2006. Across two decades of competition, the program has yet to secure a podium finish at the event. Three years prior at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the squad similarly faced early exits across the entry lists. Although badminton events at ASIAD 20 continued through September 29, the entire Vietnamese contingent completed its matches ahead of schedule.
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