Vietnam wins first gold medal at Asian Para Games 2026

Do Thanh Hai clocked one minute 33.91 seconds to take gold, while compatriot Le Tien Dat finished second in one minute 36.63 seconds. Iran’s Rashidabadi Ali claimed bronze in one minute 47.78 seconds.

The victory gave Vietnam its first gold medal at the Games. At the previous edition, held in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, Tien Dat won gold in the men’s 100m breaststroke SB5, while Thanh Hai took silver. The two Vietnamese swimmers have continued to excel in the event at continental level.

Born in 1990 in Can Tho, southern Vietnam, Thanh Hai lost the use of both legs after a severe fever at the age of three. He took up swimming at 18 and began training in Ho Chi Minh City. Through persistent practice, he learned to harness the strength of his arms in the water and quickly established himself as a talented competitor.

The Asian Para Games 2026 gold marks another significant milestone for Thanh Hai, who competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. There, he reached the final of the men’s 100m breaststroke SB5, finishing fifth in one minute 35.61 seconds.

Thanh Hai has enjoyed considerable success throughout his career. At the 11th ASEAN Para Games in Indonesia in 2022, he won five gold medals and broke four records. He has also competed at three Paralympic Games: Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, held in 2021, and Paris 2024.

After his latest continental triumph, Thanh Hai is now targeting qualification for the 2028 Paralympic Games in the United States.

Tien Dat is also an experienced member of Vietnam’s para-swimming team. Making his Paralympic debut in swimming at Paris 2024, he delivered a strong performance to finish fourth.

Speaking to reporters, Tien Dat said: “This is my fifth time competing at the Asian Para Games. Hai and I are both very happy to have won medals today and to have contributed to Vietnamese para-sport.”

At the time of reporting, Vietnam had won one gold, two silver and one bronze medal, placing 18th in the overall standings.