From Casual Play to International Competition

Ho Chi Minh City native Nguyen Hai Dang’s journey to professional badminton began with casual practice alongside his older brother. What started as a way to stay healthy evolved into a dedicated pursuit of excellence, marked by consistent success at the primary school level and beyond.

By October 2025, the 25-year-old had climbed to a BWF (Badminton World Federation) ranking of 65, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Vietnamese badminton.

Overcoming Obstacles

Hai Dang’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. He initially faced a lack of family support, as his parents were hesitant about a career in professional sports. However, his consistent achievements, including national and international awards, eventually earned their full backing.

“After winning national and international awards, my parents no longer objected, but instead gave me their full support.”

Competing internationally often meant traveling solo, without a coach, and navigating logistical hurdles with limited financial resources.

“Since I was young, I have mainly participated in competitions abroad. Whether I won or lost, no one shared my feelings, but the more I competed, the more I got used to it and the more confidence I gained,” Hai Dang said.

He often found himself managing all aspects of his travel – flights, accommodation, and competition schedules – independently, a stark contrast to athletes with full support teams.

Key Achievements and Rising Status

In March 2023, Hai Dang achieved a significant milestone, climbing 5 places to 163rd in the BWF rankings with 8,910 points at the Thailand International Challenge. This propelled him to develop into Vietnam’s number one badminton player, ending Nguyen Tien Minh’s 21-year reign in the BWF rankings.

2025 proved to be a breakthrough year. Hai Dang reached the quarterfinals of the Vietnam Open – held in Ho Chi Minh City at the Nguyen Du Club – for the first time, and also secured semifinal appearances at the Al Ain Masters 2025 and the Indonesia Masters II 2025.

Looking Ahead: Olympic Aspirations

Hai Dang remains focused on continuous improvement, working to refine his offensive game and match control. His immediate goal is to climb into the top 50 of the BWF rankings, paving the way for a potential qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in the United States.

He continued training throughout the Lunar New Year holiday, preparing for the Singapore International Challenge 2026, a tournament featuring other top Vietnamese players like Tien Minh, Thi Trang, and Duc Phat.

“Due to lack of sufficient means, I almost always have to travel abroad to participate in solo competitions. Seeing foreign athletes with entire teams makes me a little envious. But it also motivates me to surpass myself. During these competitions, I also learn good things from other athletes that I can apply to my own practice,” said Hai Dang.

Vietnam Open Details

• Founded: 1996
• Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Venue (2025): Nguyen Du Club
• Prize Money (2025): US$110,000
• Level: BWF Tour Super 100

FAQ

• What is the BWF? The Badminton World Federation, the international governing body for the sport of badminton.
• Where is the Vietnam Open held? The Vietnam Open is held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
• What level tournament is the Vietnam Open? The Vietnam Open is a BWF Tour Super 100 tournament.