13th ASEAN Para Games took place in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, with the participation of 11 Southeast Asian nations competing in 19 sports. Vietnam sent a delegation of 185 members, including 141 athletes, competing in 11 sports. Prior to the Games, the team had set a target of 30–35 gold medals, particularly as several traditional strength sports were undergoing a transition in personnel.
Chess was the leading sport in terms of medal count with 15 gold medals, 4 silver medals, and 11 bronze medals. This marked the highest number of gold medals ever won by Vietnam’s para chess team at an ASEAN Para Games, underscoring its strong dominance in the region.
In addition, athletics continued to maintain its stability, consistently contributing medals to the delegation with 7 gold medals, 18 silver medals, and 11 bronze medals. Notably, athlete Vi Thi Hang delivered an outstanding performance by winning four gold medals and breaking two Games records, playing a crucial role in improving Vietnam’s overall standing. These results reflected the consistency and depth of Vietnam’s para swimming team.
In athletics, weightlifting continued to assert its dominance with gold medals in strong events such as the men's 49kg category won by Le Van Cong and the women's 50kg category won by Dang Thi Linh Phuong.
Alongside the core sports, teams in table tennis, badminton, and judo also secured multiple medals, adding to the delegation’s overall success. Notably, several young athletes competing at their first regional Games managed to win medals, demonstrating promising succession and positive development within Vietnam’s para sports system.
With 38 gold medals achieved at ASEAN Para Games 13, Vietnamese Paralympic Team reaffirmed its strong position in Southeast Asia and established an important foundation for higher ambitions at upcoming Asian Para Games and Paralympic competitions.
PV