Vietnam secures first gold at 2026 Asian Para Games

Do Thanh Hai delivered Vietnam's breakthrough performance at the 2026 Asian Para Games on Tuesday, capturing gold in the men's 100-metre breaststroke SB5 classification in the pool. The achievement represents the host nation's first gold medal of the multi-sport competition, which is being held across South and Southeast Asia.

The 100m breaststroke victory underscores Vietnam's growing strength in Paralympic swimming, a sport in which the country has increasingly invested resources and training support. Do's success on the opening medal-winning day of competition reflected months of preparation ahead of the fifth Asian Para Games.

Vietnam's performance at the 2026 Games has drawn attention from government officials, with congratulations pouring in following Do's triumph. The gold medal is expected to energise the Vietnamese contingent as competition continues across the various sporting disciplines at the championships.

The Asian Para Games provide a platform for athletes with physical impairments, visual impairments, and intellectual disabilities to compete at the highest regional level. Vietnam has fielded a substantial delegation across multiple sports including swimming, athletics, and other disciplines for the 2026 edition of the biennial event.