Para Games

The Mayor of Solo, Gibran Rakabuming Rak, congratulates the Cambodian contingent who will host the 12th ASEAN Paragames 2023 at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games closing at the Manahan Solo Stadium. Photo apg2022.com

HÀ NỘI – As the 12th ASEAN Para Games approaches, all eyes are on the impressive Vietnamese delegation set to compete in Cambodia this summer, who are aiming for a top-three finish in the medal tally.

Featuring 12 official sports and one demonstration sport in the form of e-sports, the ASEAN Para Games present a unique opportunity for athletes with disabilities to showcase their talents on a regional stage.

The strong Vietnamese delegation comprises 155 members, including 121 athletes who have worked tirelessly to hone their skills in their respective disciplines.

Vietnamese competitors will participate in athletics, swimming, powerlifting, badminton, table tennis, chess, judo, and boccia, from June 3-9.

The team has been asked to aim for a top-three finish in the medal tally.

Athletics and swimming are the strongest events for Việt Nam, contributing to half of the members of the delegation.

The track-and-field athletes and swimmers have won most of Việt Nam's gold medals in many different sports meets, including the regional Para Games.

Việt Nam is also a powerhouse in powerlifting and chess.

Vietnamese Para Games athletes pose for photos at the 11th Games in Indonesia. Photo qdnd.vn

Several athletes are expected to take titles, including Paralympic couple Nguyễn Thị Hải and Cao Ngọc Hùng (athletics), Châu Hoàng Tuyết Loan and former Paralympic champion Lê Văn Công (powerlifting), Võ Thanh Tùng, Trịnh Thị Bích Như, and Đỗ Thanh Hải (swimming), and Nguyễn Thị Hồng and Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Linh (chess). All of them are reigning Para Games champions.

The delegation will be given a send-off ceremony on May 25 at the National Sports Training Centre in HCM City.

The flag-raising ceremony will take place on June 1, while the opening ceremony for the games will be held in Phnom Penh two days later.

The closing ceremony is scheduled for June 9 and top regional leaders will be invited to attend the ceremonies.

The 12th ASEAN Para Games will be a significant test for disabled Vietnamese athletes ahead of their competitions at the Asian Para Games 2023 in China and the Paralympic Games 2024 in France.

In the previous Games held in Solo, Indonesia, Việt Nam finished third behind the hosts and Thailand. The 120-strong team won 65 golds, 62 silvers, and 56 bronzes, setting 16 new records.

Recently, the National Organising Committee of the 2023 SEA Games – ASEAN Para Games (CAMSOC-CAMAPGOC) held a meeting to review preparations for the SEA Games torch relay through provinces surrounding Tonle Sap Lake.

The meeting was presided over by Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism and Permanent Vice-President of CAMSOC. The minister said the torch relay would send a meaningful message showing the prevailing peace across the country.

Both games are combined and called Cambodia 2023 to reflect unity, diversity, and equality. The slogan of Cambodia 2023 is Sport: Live in Peace. –VNS