Ho Chi Minh City have registered Nguyen Tien Minh for the tenth National Games in 2026 at the age of 43. Sai Gon Giai Phong's October 17 report says the veteran continues preparing to pursue medals at home.
The badminton programme is scheduled for November 15–25 at Ho Xuan Huong Sports Hall, offering seven medal sets. Registration precedes an actual competitive appearance and does not establish a result.
A journey beginning in 2002
Tien Minh first attended the Games in Hanoi in 2002 as a promising young Ho Chi Minh City player. He subsequently participated in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Playing this year would extend that sequence across seven editions and create a participation milestone described by the source. That remains conditional on him taking part.
He won the 2018 men's singles final against Nguyen Hai Dang. At the 2022 Games, he and his team reached the men's team final and earned silver.
Choosing suitable competitions
Tien Minh now mainly enters international Challenge and International Series events. He also competed at the Vietnam Open in Ho Chi Minh City in September.
The report highlights experience and shot selection as assets while acknowledging reduced movement compared with his peak. He has previously said he does not yet intend to retire, while selecting competitions appropriate to his condition.
Ho Chi Minh City are including the veteran alongside leading players in pursuit of strong Games results. His earlier medals provide background; the 2026 campaign will be decided in November.