ParaGames

HÀ NỘI — Nguyễn Hoàng Minh clinched a double in men’s athletics at the ninth ParaGames in Malaysia yesterday.

Minh took his first gold in the men’s T12 400m with a timing of 53.93sec.

His teammate Nguyễn Văn Bình was close behind with a timing of 54.38sec to take the silver.

Chaiya Som-dech of Thailand tried his best in the last few metres but could only take the bronze medal, clocking 54.44sec.

Minh then took part in the 800m event and met with no difficulty in dominating the race with a timing of 2min10.31sec.

Bình was again the first runner-up, and Agustinus Tinabela of Indonesia took the third spot.

Minh is expected to complete a hat-trick at this games, as he will compete again in the next few days.

Trần Văn Nguyên won a title in the men’s F40/41 javelin event.

He threw 30.72m in his first attempt, which was also his best in six attempts.

However, it was enough to take him to the title.

He was followed by Muhammad Diroy of Singapore and Malaysian Richard.

Nguyễn Hoàng Minh of Việt Nam (centre) and teammate Nguyễn Văn Bình celebrate their 400m victory on the podium of the ParaGames in Malaysia. — Photo courtesy of Thái Dương

In the morning session, Trịnh Công Luận triumphed in the men’s F56 discus throw.

Other track-and-field athletes also pocketed silver and bronze medals.

Cao Ngọc Hùng took a silver in the men’s F57 discus throw. The Paralympic bronze medallist wanted to change the colour of the medal that he had won two years ago in Singapore but failed.

Nguyễn Ngọc Hiệp was second in the men’s T11 400m. Trần Văn Đức finished second in the men’s T46 800m.

Nguyễn Thị Thủy failed to retain her title in the women’s T44 200m event. The 53-year-old was at the third place. Cielo Honasan of the Philippines claimed the gold, while Karisma Evi Tiaran of Indonesia secured the silver.

In powerlifting, Việt Nam won two golds through defending champions Châu Hoàng Tuyết Loan (women’s 55kg) and Đặng Thị Linh Phượng (women’s 50kg).

Loan lifted 103kg and set a new record at the tournament. The old record was 102kg, which she had set two years ago in Singapore.

Phượng also did a good job as her 100kg result was a new bar at the ParaGames. She broke her own record of 93kg that was made two years ago.

The powerlifters from Việt Nam also won two silver medals in the men’s 59kg pool through Nguyễn Văn Phúc and men’s 65kg class through Nguyễn Thanh Xuân. The only bronze of the day went to Nguyễn Thanh Thủy in the women’s 61kg category.

In the morning, swimming and athletic representatives grabbed four gold medals for Việt Nam.

Võ Thanh Tùng won his second gold at the men’s S5 200m freestyle event. His first gold was at the 100m freestyle event. The Paralympic silver medalist finished first at 2min and 59.7sec, setting a new record at the Games. Jamery Siga of the host country came in second, with a time of 3:12.45, while Danh Hòa of Việt Nam stood at third place at 3:12.75.

Minutes later, Trần Quốc Phi won the men’s S3 100m freestyle swimming race and was timed at 1:01.62.

Nguyễn Thành Trung defended his title in the men’s SB4 100m breaststroke, his second title in Kuala Lumpur. On Monday, Trung secured the 50m-breaststroke event.

Trịnh Công Luận was the only track-and-field athlete to triumph in the morning.

His throw at the men’s F56 discus event was at 29.65m. On Monday, Luận won a silver in the javelin throw event.

Apart from the golds, the Vietnamese representatives also took home silver and bronze medals.

Following the morning session, Indonesia maintained the top position with 30 golds, while Malaysia stood at second place with 24 titles.

After the second day of competitions, Việt Nam stood at the third position with 18 titles.

Indonesia remained the strongest contingent, having won 37 events. Malaysia narrowed the gap with them, and have five gold medals less. — VNS