At the training ground in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on October 17, the athletes worked diligently on their specialist disciplines, including discus throw, javelin throw, shot put, running, and long jump. Each event has its own technical, physical, and movement-control requirements, calling for thorough preparation and training methods tailored to each athlete’s disability.
Under the guidance of coach Dang Van Phuc, team members are striving to build on their strengths, refine their techniques, and maintain optimal competitive form ahead of the major events.
Among the team members, Nguyen Thi Hai is one of the most experienced athletes, having previously competed at the Paralympic Games. Competing in the F57 classification, she will take part in the discus throw and shot put at the 5th Asian Para Games. Her experience at major competitions provides a foundation for her to pursue strong results and serves as an additional source of motivation for her teammates.
Alongside Nguyen Thi Hai, the team includes Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thuy, Nguyen Thi Kieu, Truong Bich Van, Tran Thi Thuy Hang, Nguyen Ngoc Hiep, and Nguyen Viet Dai. Each athlete will compete in events suited to their strengths, ranging from throwing and putting events to the 400m and long jump.
For visually impaired athlete Nguyen Ngoc Hiep, the support of a guide runner is particularly important, enabling the pair to coordinate their movements, maintain direction, and keep pace during competition.
At the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, Viet Nam’s para-athletics team won two medals. Pham Nguyen Khanh Minh took silver in the men’s 400m T12 with a time of 50.17 seconds, while Nguyen Ngoc Hiep won bronze in the men’s 400m T11 with a time of 56.41 seconds. These achievements were significant milestones, motivating the athletes to strive for further success at this year’s Games.
According to the competition schedule, Vietnamese athletes will begin competing in the javelin and discus throw events on October 19. On October 20, Tran Thi Thuy Hang will compete in the women’s discus throw final.
On October 21, Nguyen Thi Hai and Nguyen Thi Kieu will contest the women’s discus throw final in the F56/F57 classification. October 22 is expected to be one of the key days, with Nguyen Viet Dai competing in the javelin throw, Nguyen Thi Hai and Truong Bich Van in the shot put, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thuy in the discus throw, and Nguyen Ngoc Hiep in the first round of the men’s 400m T11.
On October 23, Nguyen Viet Dai will compete in the men’s shot-put event, while Nguyen Ngoc Hiep will take part in the men’s long jump T11. At the 5th Asian Para Games, athletics, swimming and powerlifting are among the sports expected to contribute medals to Viet Nam’s delegation.
Facing strong competition from athletes from across Asia, the para-athletics team is determined to bring out the best in each athlete, compete with unity and confidence, and strive to push beyond their personal limits.
The pursuit of success in Nagoya requires comprehensive preparation in technical skills, physical fitness, and competitive mindset. Drawing on the coaching staff’s experience, the perseverance of the athletes in training, and their determination to give their best, Viet Nam’s para-athletes are aiming to deliver their strongest performances and contribute to the delegation’s overall results at the Games.
