Culture - Sports

13th ASEAN Para Games: Vietnamese para swimmers secure first medals

Swimming star Vo Huynh Anh Khoa delivered a breakthrough by winning the Vietnamese delegation’s first gold medal in the men’s 400m freestyle S8 final.

Vo Huynh Anh Khoa (second from right) wins Vietnam’s first gold medal at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand. (Photo: webthethao.vn)
Vo Huynh Anh Khoa (second from right) wins Vietnam’s first gold medal at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand. (Photo: webthethao.vn)

Bangkok (VNA) – Vietnam got off to a promising start at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, as its swimmers claimed the delegation’s first medals, including an early gold, on the opening day of official competition on January 21.

Swimming star Vo Huynh Anh Khoa delivered a breakthrough by winning the Vietnamese delegation’s first gold medal in the men’s 400m freestyle S8 final. Khoa finished first with an impressive time of 5 minutes 26.16 seconds, leaving his rivals well behind thanks to a consistent pace and a powerful finish in the last metres.

The event also highlighted Vietnam’s dominance in para swimming as two other athletes, Han Quan Thoai and Dang Van Cong, finished in the top three, allowing Vietnam to sweep all three medals in the men’s 400m freestyle S8.

In the men’s 400m freestyle S6 event, Do Thanh Hai earned a silver with a time of 5 minutes 58.14 seconds.

Competing in the fourth lane, Hai showed strong form to finish second behind the Philippines’ Bejino G, who clocked 5 minutes 32.08 seconds, while Thailand’s Wongnonthaphum placed third in 6 minutes 4.66 seconds.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong, along with head of the Vietnamese para sports delegation Le Thi Hoang Yen and representatives of sports authorities, were present to cheer on the swimming team on the first competition day.

Swimming remains one of Vietnam’s strongest disciplines at this year’s Games, reflecting the athletes’ determination, resilience and relentless efforts to overcome challenges./.

VNA
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