Coaches and athletes with disabilities who achieved excellent results at the 12th Southeast Asian Para Games (ASEAN Para Games 2023) were rewarded with more than VND1.3 billion (US$54,800) at a ceremony held by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports this week.

Municipal leaders also presented certificates of merit to eight coaches and 25 athletes for their outstanding performance at the ASEAN Para Games 2023.

A martial arts demonstration at the ceremony.Photo: Kinhtedothi.vn

The ASEAN Para Games 2023 were held in Cambodia from May 31 to June 10, with 11 countries participating in more than 400 events in 14 sports, including Athletics, badminton, boccia, chess, 5-a-side football, 7-a-side football, goalball, judo, powerlifting, swimming, table tennis, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball and e-sports.

The Vietnamese sports delegation to the 12th Para Games in Cambodia consisted of 164 members who competed in 8 out of 14 sports, including chess, athletics, badminton, table tennis, swimming, powerlifting, judo, and boccia.

Among them, 37 are from Hanoi, including one sports official, seven coaches, and 29 athletes who competed in chess, athletics, badminton, table tennis, swimming, and powerlifting.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Director of Hanoi Sports Competition and Training Center Dao Quoc Thang said the Vietnamese delegation won 66 gold medals, 59 silver medals, and 78 bronze medals, setting 19 records, ranking 3rd overall, and surpassing the set target.

Coaches and athletes with disabilities received certificates of merit from Hanoi leaders. Photo: kinhtedothi.vn

This is the first time Vietnam's delegation has achieved such a high position since the 2003 ASEAN Para Games in Hanoi. This achievement was greatly contributed by the coaches and athletes from Hanoi, who won 55 medals, including 12 gold medals, accounting for 18.2% of the Vietnamese sports delegation's total; 23 silver medals, making up 39%; and 20 bronze medals, representing 25.6%.

Director of Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Do Dinh Hong (right) congratulates coaches and athletes.

"Despite all adversities, the athletes competed with confidence and put in their best efforts and determination to win medals. At the same time, they also contribute to strengthening solidarity, friendship, and cooperation between the country and people of Vietnam with international friends in the region," said Dao Quoc Thang.

Director of Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Do Dinh Hong said that the ASEAN Para Games 2023 is a successful event for athletes with disabilities in Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular, not only for the achievements and medals but also for the difficulties the athletes went through to excel in the competitions.

"Behind each medal is a story full of humanity, an example of the courage of a person who overcame themselves, overcame obstacles to integrate into the community, stand up confidently, and inspire people in life while confirming the desire to win and dedication of athletes with disabilities," Hong said.

Hong hoped that in the upcoming international sports tournaments, such as the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and the 33rd Olympic Games in Paris in 2024, all coaches and athletes with disabilities will continue to promote the achievements made in recent years.

He wished them to join hands and make efforts in training so that Hanoi would continue to deserve the position of the country's leading locality in physical training and sports development. At the same time, they will help bring Hanoi sports to a new level and shine in the regional and international arena.