BANGKOK: Vietnam secured two more gold medals in the evening session on the first competition day of the 33rd SEA Games on Wednesday (Dec 10) in Thailand.
Vietnamese swimmer Tran Hung Nguyen powered to victory in the men’s 200m individual medley, defending his title with a time of 2min 03.11sec.
This marks his fourth consecutive gold in the event and the tenth SEA Games gold of his career since his debut in 2019.
“I have found my key to winning. Keeping my pace steady, staying focused and being confident helped me succeed today,” Hung said.
The Philippines’ Gian Christopher San took silver, while fellow Vietnamese swimmer Nguyen Quang Thuan earned bronze.
In the women’s 200m butterfly final held immediately after, Vietnam’s Vo Thị My Tien claimed silver with a time of 2:12.10, narrowly behind Thailand’s Kamonchanok Kwanmuang, who secured gold in 2:11.78.
Four young Vietnamese swimmers won bronze in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay, sending their coach into cheers in the stands. It marked Vietnam’s first-ever medal in this event.
Just minutes later, Nguyen Van Dung claimed the first gold for Vietnam’s petanque team.
The 51-year-old defeated Indonesian Satria Topan in the men’s shooting event, winning his first medal after three Games. Previously, he took silver in the 31st event and bronze in the 32nd edition.
"We prepared this category thoroughly, and Dũng succeeded. This is a very emotional victory for him as well as for the entire team," said coach Đặng Xuân Vui.
"The tactics determine the success, but we appreciate Dũng's iron mind and good technique in this decisive match."
Vietnam’s petanque team also brought home three bronze medals in the individual events, thanks to strong performances by Thai Thi Hong Thoa, Nguyen Thi Hien, and Huyyh Cong Tam.
Vietnam have won four golds along with three silver and 10 bronze medals to place second in the medal tally. - Vietnam News/ANN
