Cong Nguyen competed in the men’s 49kg category against 26 other participants. One notable participant was Omar Qarada from Jordan, a world-leading and Paralympic champion who is widely regarded as the most formidable contender in the competition.
The Vietnamese athlete successfully lifted 172kg on his first attempt but was unable to lift 176kg on his second try.
On his third attempt, he successfully lifted 176kg, securing a gold medal.
Qarada, an athlete from Jordan, demonstrated his exceptional skill and earned the silver medal with a remarkable performance of lifting 175kg.
The bronze medal in the weightlifting event was awarded to Abdullah Kayapinar from Turkey. He demonstrated immense strength by successfully lifting a total of 173kg. It is a remarkable achievement for Kayapinar and a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Vietnamese weightlifter Le Van Cong competes at the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships in the UAE. Photo: IPC |
The ongoing powerlifting competition for athletes with disabilities is currently being held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates until August 30th.
The following event is a critical tournament that will determine the participants for the highly anticipated 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, France. Attendance at this event is mandatory for all potential qualifiers.
This year’s championship has received an incredible response from 473 athletes from around the globe.
The Vietnamese weightlifting team is proudly represented by four talented athletes at the competition. In the men’s division, Le Van Cong competes in the 49kg category, while Nguyen Binh An competes in the 54kg category. In the women’s division, Dang Thi Linh Phuong competes in the 50kg category and Chau Hoang Tuyet Loan competes in the 55kg category.
Vietnamese weightlifter Le Van Cong celebrates his performance at the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships. Photo: IPC |
On Wednesday, Cong achieved his second world gold medal, further cementing his success after previously earning one gold and three silver medals, as well as setting two records at previous events.
Le Van Cong is currently Vietnam’s premier athlete with disabilities, holding both the world and Paralympic records for lifting at 183.5kg and 183kg, respectively.
Weightlifter Le Van Cong with His Historical Medal at Paralympics 2016
Breaking three world records within a year is surely the most impressive achievement by Le Van Cong on the way to pursuing his passion for the sports event and to overcome his disability.
At Paralympics 2016 in Rio, Brazil, weightlifter Le Van Cong brought glory to the country when he won a gold medal in the men’s up-to-49kg category with a perfect lift of 183kg, beating two medalists, Jordanian Omar Qarada (silver medal) and Hungarian Nandor Tunkel (bronze medal).