Twenty-one Vietnamese athletes departed from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on the evening of October 10 bound for Nagoya, Japan, to begin preparations for the 5th Asian Para Games 2026, vietnam.vn reported.
The continental multi-sport event runs from October 18 to October 24 across Aichi and Nagoya, bringing together approximately 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and territories to compete in 18 sports.
Delegation Structure and Sport Breakdown
Vietnam’s delegation comprises 36 members led by Nguyen Trong Ho, deputy director of the Vietnam Sports Administration. The 21 competing athletes are distributed across five distinct disciplines:
- Athletics: 7 athletes
- Swimming: 7 athletes
- Weightlifting: 4 athletes
- Table Tennis: 2 athletes
- Badminton: 1 athlete
Beyond the competing roster, the traveling party includes one sport guide, six coaches, and various administrative and medical support personnel.
Medal Hopes Led by Le Van Cong
Among the delegation’s entries, weightlifter Le Van Cong stands out as one of the country’s most promising medal contenders. The 2016 Paralympic champion competes in the men’s 49 kg weight class, a division where he has captured numerous international titles over his career.
For the broader Vietnamese contingent, the competition serves a dual purpose beyond immediate podium finishes. Officials noted that the Games provide a crucial platform for athletes to accumulate ranking points and secure qualifications for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Schedule of Classification and Competition
The delegation’s itinerary in Japan begins with several days of mandatory administrative and technical preparation. From October 12 to October 16, Vietnamese athletes will undergo international classification assessments for athletes with disabilities, attend technical meetings, and complete training sessions to acclimate to the venue conditions.
The official flag-raising ceremony for the Vietnamese delegation is scheduled for the afternoon of October 16. Following the opening ceremony on October 18, medal events take place from October 19 through October 23, concluding with the closing ceremony on October 24.
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