Nam’s target at SEA Games 32 was to win the gold medal for the third time in a row, after SEA Games Philippines in 2019 and Vietnam in 2022, but the former Wimbledon Boys’ doubles champion fell short.
In the final, he faced Fitriadi. Nam was the favourite to win the match as he had defeated Fitriadi many times in the past.
However, under 31 degrees Celsius, Nam entered the field looking tired.
In the second game, he suddenly collapsed on the court and needed medical attention.
In recent days, Nam's health has been poor. After the game, he said he had gastritis because of a tight schedule, hot weather and not eating enough.
Nam tried to continue playing, but his strokes lacked power and accuracy. He was also unable to move much.
“I'm very tired. But never think of giving up, unless I can't play anymore. I feel sad. I tried my best,” Nam said after the match.
In the stands, Nam’s wife Huynh Ngoc Phuong Trinh (with sunglasses) was worried about her husband. The couple dated from 2018 before getting married this March.
After the match, she went on to the court to comfort Nam.
"I want to thank my wife," Nam said. "In the past few days, she has taken care of me, cooked and prepared my medicine so that I could play in the final."
