Vietnamese Paralympic powerlifter Le Van Cong. (Photo: Reuters)
The French Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports has awarded the Medal of Honour for Youth, Sports and Associative Engagement (Gold) to Vietnamese Paralympic powerlifter Le Van Cong, honouring his outstanding achievements and remarkable perseverance in sports and life.
Etienne Ranaivoson, French Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, presented the honour to the Vietnamese athlete in Ho Chi Minh City on November 22.
Ranaivoson praised the athlete as a symbol of Vietnamese youth who overcome all limitations physically, socially, or materially. He noted that Le Van Cong represents the dignity and determination of people with disabilities, who face daily challenges often even tougher than those on the sports field.
According to Ranaivoson, the athlete embodies the courage, diligence, resilience, and unwavering spirit of Vietnam.
In response, Cong said, “Receiving this prestigious medal is a great pride for me. I always believe that anything others can do, I can do as well. This mindset has fueled my determination and helped me achieve success in both my sports career and life."
Le Van Cong is Vietnam’s leading Paralympic powerlifter. He has set multiple world records and made history as the first Vietnamese athlete to win a gold medal at the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil, followed by a silver medal in 2020 and a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, completing a full set of Paralympic medals. His achievements earned him widespread recognition from the host nation, France.
The medal ceremony coincided with the Volvic Rugby Festival, initiated by French-born Vietnamese former rugby player François Trinh-Duc, aimed at promoting community sports and social development.
