Paralympic medallists shine at ASEAN Para Games

Paralympic medallists Ni Nengah Widiasih and Le Van Cong showed their dominance to take the gold medals in the Para powerlifting competition at the ongoing 11th ASEAN Para Games in Solo, Indonesia.

Widiasih’s and Le Van’s gold medals improved the tallies of their respective nations as Indonesia and Vietnam finished on top of the Para powerlifting medals table. While hosts Indonesia had three gold medals, Vietnam signed off with four gold at the end of the competitions on Tuesday (2 August). 

Local star Widiasih lived up to the expectations of her cheering fans managing a lift of 97kg, though one kg less than her Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games silver medal show, to take the gold in women’s up to 45kg on Monday (1). 

She finished way ahead of Philippines’ Achele Guion (70).

“I feel very happy to win the gold in front of my home crowd. This is a proud moment for me. It wasn’t easy though as I was nervous before my performance. Happy to break my previous record too,” said Widiasih, who broke her Games record of 96kg set in Kuala Lumpur APG in 2017. 

Vietnam rule Day 2 show

Later, Vietnamese star powerlifter Le Van came out with an impressive 170kg in the third round, enough to take the gold in men’s up to 49kg event.  The Rio 2016 gold and Tokyo 2020 silver medallist was not the only athlete from his country to top the podium on Tuesday.

Le Van’ s compatriot Binh An Nguyen, a former Worlds medallist, claimed the other gold of the day – lifting 168kg to win the men’s under 54kg.

Vietnam had more golden moments when Chau Hoang Tuyet (104kg) and Dang Thi Linh (101 kg) finished on top in women’s up to 55kg and 50kg, respectively, on the opening day.

Meanwhile, the hosts added to it golden tally through their women’s lifters Eneng (women’s up to 41kg) and Rani Puji (women’s up to 61kg).

Complete result of the Para powerlifting competition at the ASEAN Para Games is available here.