Badminton

Indonesian Hariawan Hong (left) signs a contract to work with Vietnamese badminton players in 2024. He is expected to have a long-term plan to develop badminton in Việt Nam. VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Indonesian coach Hariawan Hong has been back to work in Việt Nam with a mission to lift the national badminton performance on the international map.

"Hong is a familiar coach to Vietnamese badminton. We signed a contract with Hong to work here until the end of 2024, but we are discussing a long-term deal," said Khoa Trung Kiên of the Sports Authority of Việt Nam's Badminton Department official.

In the short term, Hong, who landed in Hà Nội earlier this month, will coordinate with local coaches to push the quality of players so that they will earn spots in the Paris Olympics.

Apart from top female player Nguyễn Thùy Linh, who is ensured of her qualification, Việt Nam is racing to have a place in the men's competition.

Lê Đức Phát and Nguyễn Hải Đăng are two players trying their best for their Olympic dream.

In the long term, Hong will map out plans to develop Việt Nam's badminton future.

"Việt Nam is working with young players who will shoulder the national task when their seniors are getting old. Hong is experienced in this issue, so we will work closely together in a long-term plan to accomplish this task," Kiên said.

Hong worked with the national team at the 31st SEA Games where Việt Nam won three bronze medals in 2022. His coaching with practical application and effectiveness was appreciated by many players.

Hong has worked in different countries and his most impressive achievement was the Thomas Cup 2022 trophy with the Indian team.

Unfortunately, after the SEA Games, Hong had to return home for a family reason, but is now free to return to work.

His first job will be watching Vietnamese players at the US$15,000 Vietnam International Challenge 2024 on March 12-17 in Hà Nội. VNS