At the V Asian Para Games in Japan, Van Anh Tuan will be the sole representative for Vietnamese badminton, entering the continental arena after a journey that began on a school sports court. Tuoi Tre reported that Tuan lost his left arm to a malignant tumor at age 12 and subsequently underwent chemotherapy, a period that left him isolated and introverted. Years later, an impromptu badminton demonstration during a physical education class sparked an ovation from his classmates, providing the confidence he needed to return to the sport.
From Schoolyard Demonstration to Continental Arena
That initial schoolyard applause helped break years of isolation following his cancer treatment. When his physical education teacher asked him to demonstrate badminton movements to his peers, the recognition restored a sense of capability he thought he had lost. In October 2026, that momentum culminates when Tuan travels to Japan as Vietnam’s sole representative for badminton at the V Asian Para Games. Ahead of the tournament, he has been training on the court, refining his shuttlecock control, and sparring with athletes from Nepal.
#News | India win two para badminton mixed doubles matches at Asian Para Games 2026.🇮🇳🏸Thulasimathi Murugesan and Nitesh Kumar defeated China’s Chen Pengfei and Huang Zixuan 2–0 ( 21-4, 21-18) in their Group B match in the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 event.Meanwhile, Ruthick… pic.twitter.com/pbEsfMYza4
The 22-Kilometer Commute to Training
Finding a competitive pathway required navigating local sports infrastructure. Tuoi Tre documented that Tuan traveled over 22 km from the former Binh Duong province to Ho Chi Minh City to train and return. According to coach Vo Thanh Trung, Tuan's regimen extends beyond badminton to include running, gym workouts, and strength and endurance conditioning designed to meet international competition standards.
Building Coaching Credentials and National Preparation
Alongside his physical conditioning, Tuan pursued formal coaching qualifications, completing the Badminton World Federation Level 1 training course in 2024. The national preparation intensified on September 18 at the National Youth Athlete Training Center, where Vietnam’s disability badminton and table tennis squads began rigorous pre-departure training camps focusing on technical refinement, physical conditioning, and international competition intensity. The sports sector’s structured support system aims to bridge individual aspirations with professional competitive pathways, ensuring athletes receive the targeted resources necessary to represent the national team.
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