Vietnam’s badminton stars gather in Gia Lai for national elite championship

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(GLO) – Vietnam’s top badminton players, including national legend Nguyễn Tiến Minh and rising star Nguyễn Hải Đăng, have arrived in Gia Lai to prepare for the 2025 national badminton elite players championship.

The tournament, held from September 21 to 27 at the provincial sports training and competition center in Quy Nhơn Ward, brings together 115 athletes from 13 clubs nationwide.

It is expected to be one of the most competitive events of the year, showcasing the country’s leading talents.

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Vietnamese badminton icon Nguyễn Tiến Minh (in red, far left) trains ahead of the 2025 National Badminton Elite Players Championship. Photo: Huỳnh Vỹ

Nguyễn Tiến Minh, born in 1983, remains a standout figure with four Olympic appearances and 16 national titles.

Representing Ho Chi Minh City, his younger teammate Nguyễn Hải Đăng, born in 2000, is regarded as the top hope for the city’s squad.

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Athlete Lê Đức Phát (in purple) is currently the top badminton player of the Military sports team. Photo: Huỳnh Vỹ

The Military team has also drawn attention with seven athletes and one coach. World No. 94 Lê Đức Phát aims to defend his men’s singles gold medal from the 2024 National Championship in Bắc Ninh, with Nguyễn Hải Đăng considered his toughest rival.

“After this tournament, I will compete in international events in Australia, New Zealand, and India before the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand,” Lê Đức Phát said.

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Player Lê Đức Phát signs autographs for young fans. Photo: Huỳnh Vỹ
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Lê Đức Phát poses for photos with fans. Photo: Huỳnh Vỹ

The championship has also become a fan attraction. Spectators gathered at Nam Be Badminton Court during training sessions to meet their sporting idols, take photos, and collect autographs.

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Athletes train intensively in preparation for the tournament. Photo: Huỳnh Vỹ

Lê Trương Hải, a local official, said he brought his family to meet the athletes: “I was delighted by the friendliness of Vietnam's top badminton players and managed to get some memorable photos with them.”

Vietnam's badminton stars arrive in Gia Lai to prepare for the National Badminton Elite Players Championship. Video: Huỳnh Vỹ

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