Swimmer Do Thanh Hai claimed Vietnam's first gold medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan, leading a one-two finish alongside compatriot Le Tien Dat in the men's 100m breaststroke SB5 event.
Vietnamese para swimmer Do Thanh Hai secured the gold medal in the men's 100m breaststroke SB5 event at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, delivering the country's first gold of the competition.
Hai finished first in 1 minute 33.91 seconds, ahead of teammate Le Tien Dat, who took silver in 1 minute 36.63 seconds.
Iran's Rashidabadi Ali claimed bronze with a time of 1 minute 47.78 seconds.
The result marks another impressive performance by Vietnam's para swimming team, which has established a strong record in the event at the continental level.
At the previous Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, Dat won gold in the same event, while Hai finished second.
The two Vietnamese swimmers have now exchanged podium positions, maintaining their dominance in the men's 100m breaststroke SB5 category.
Do Thanh Hai and Le Tien Dat won gold and silver medals for Vietnam.
Do Thanh Hai builds on Paris Paralympics performance
The gold medal represents a significant milestone for Hai, who previously competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
In Paris, he reached the men's 100m breaststroke SB5 final and finished fifth with a time of 1 minute 35.61 seconds.
His winning performance of 1 minute 33.91 seconds at the 2026 Asian Para Games was 1.70 seconds faster than his Paris final time, highlighting his continued improvement.
Dat, meanwhile, is among the most experienced members of Vietnam's para swimming team.
Making his Paralympic debut in Paris in 2024, he delivered a strong performance to finish fourth.
Both swimmers have continued to demonstrate their competitiveness in international para swimming, with their latest results providing a major boost to Vietnam's medal campaign in Nagoya.
Vietnam secured its first gold medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games.
Vietnam wins four medals in Nagoya
Speaking after the race, Dat expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and the opportunity to contribute to Vietnam's success.
"This is my fifth time competing at the Asian Para Games," he said. "To prepare for this competition, all members of the swimming team worked hard in training and followed their coaches' programs, aiming to achieve the best possible results. Hai and I are both very happy to have won medals today and to have contributed to Vietnamese para sports."
Vietnam has sent a 36-member delegation to the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, including 21 athletes competing across five sports: swimming, athletics, powerlifting, table tennis and badminton.
As of October 21, the Vietnamese delegation had secured one gold, two silver and one bronze medal.
Hai's victory, alongside Dat's silver, provides an encouraging result for the delegation as its athletes continue competing in Japan.
Vietnamnet.vn
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