Vietnamese badminton veteran exits Tokyo Olympics

Minh’s chance of advancing further in the tournament was already slim after he lost his first game to world number three Anders Antonsen of Denmark. In his must win second game against Azerbaijani Ade Resky Dwicahyo, Minh, 15 years older than his opponent, lost 14-21, 18-21.

Minh couldn’t hide his disappointment after losing a game he was expected to win. He has failed to make it past the first round of Olympic badminton in four consecutive events, having made his debut in 2008.

At 38, Minh is the oldest badminton player at the Olympics. A former world number five, Minh is not hanging up his boots just yet. He will compete at the SEA Games and Asian Games next year.