Nguyen Tat Duy Loi Wins Thailand Junior Badminton International Title

Nguyen Tat Duy Loi, an 18-year-old badminton player, won the men’s singles title at the Thailand international junior tournament on Saturday, defeating local player Thanakrit Lejyim 2-1.

The win marks Duy Loi’s second international junior championship. He previously captured the boys’ singles title at the Philippines international junior tournament in August, defeating Leong Di Shan of Malaysia 2-1. Ranked 28th in the world junior rankings, Duy Loi was the top seed at the Thailand event. He defeated numerous opponents from Malaysia and Thailand to claim the championship.

Duy Loi, born in 2008 in Hue, was motivated to train harder after winning his first international title. His playing style is defined by his quick reflexes, physical endurance, and composure under pressure. Despite often falling behind early in matches, he has a history of making dramatic comebacks to secure victories.

As a first-year student at the Hue University of Physical Education, Duy Loi’s path to international competition is unconventional. He trains primarily on his own due to a lack of experienced partners in his hometown.

“Previously, I trained with the more experienced players of the Hue City badminton team, but they have left,” he explained. “Since then, I have had no training partner and have rarely had the opportunity to participate in important tournaments. That’s why I decided to join the Lam Dong team.”

Duy Loi funds his own participation in international tournaments, such as the junior event in Thailand, which are outside the national system. His family's support has helped him develop. He reached the semifinals of the 2025 National Badminton Championships for elite players, defeating many formidable opponents along the way.

Duy Loi is always prepared to compete at the highest level when the opportunity arises. In September 2026, he initially did not meet the eligibility requirements for the Vietnam Open in Ho Chi Minh City. However, when several international players withdrew at the last minute, a chance opened up for the 18-year-old talent.

He received notification from the organizers the evening of September 7, with his match scheduled for the following afternoon. Duy Loi traveled from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City immediately to seize the opportunity to play and learn from high-level opponents. His dedication mirrors that of Nguyen Tien Minh, who won his first national title at age 19 and later achieved a World Championship bronze medal and four Olympic appearances.

Following his victory in Thailand, Duy Loi’s focus shifts to the National Games, which will take place in Ho Chi Minh City from November 15 to 25. The 18-year-old athlete is determined to showcase his full potential and win a medal for the province of Lam Dong. His long-term goal is to become a professional badminton player.