Vietnamese badminton star Nguyễn Thùy Linh and her national teammates have been pulled from upcoming international competitions to focus entirely on preparations for the X-2026 National Sports Games, Laodong.vn reported. The coaching staff decided to halt all international tournament registrations so athletes can dedicate their training strictly to domestic competition expertise.
The reigning women’s singles champion recently traveled abroad for two international events in Finland and Denmark before returning home. She has resumed her training regimen in Bắc Ninh as she prepares to defend her national title in Ho Chi Minh City.
National Training Focus Replaces International Schedule
The coaching staff’s decision halts travel plans for top-tier competitors who typically alternate between global BWF circuits and domestic showcases. By bringing athletes back to domestic training hubs, national selectors aim to maximize conditioning and tactical readiness ahead of the multi-sport gathering.
Thuy Linh Nguyen has taken the first game against Unnati Hooda 15-21 pic.twitter.com/3R59XFRfRP
Alongside Nguyễn Thùy Linh, the national squad contingent includes several prominent players who recently competed at the 20th Asian Games (ASIAD 20). Among them are Nguyễn Hải Đăng, Nguyễn Đình Hoàng, Trần Đình Mạnh, Phạm Thị Khánh, and Phạm Thị Diệu Ly, all of whom will transition directly into the domestic tournament preparation cycle.
Ho Chi Minh City Venue and Event Schedule
Badminton events at the X-2026 National Sports Games will run from November 15 to November 25 at Ho Xuan Huong Gymnasium in Ho Chi Minh City, according to news.laodong.vn. The competition brings together regional federations and elite athletes from across the country for nearly two weeks of matches.
Before competition commences, the organizing committee will oversee seeding and draw lots for seven distinct professional events. The schedule features team competitions alongside individual categories, creating a rigorous multi-day test for the country’s top talent.
New Entry Restrictions Shape Tournament Strategy
Tournament regulations introduce strict limits on player registration across multiple divisions. Athletes who register for either men’s singles or women’s singles are barred from entering men’s doubles, women’s doubles, or mixed doubles events.
Competitors are permitted to register for up to two doubles events, though strict forfeiture rules apply. If an athlete fails to complete a scheduled doubles match, they are automatically disqualified from participating in their second registered event.
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