Vietnam's Weightlifting Team Shines, Surpassing Many Powerhouses at Asian Championships

The Vietnamese weightlifting team has achieved a remarkable feat at the 2026 Asian Championships held in India, securing an impressive 8th position on the medal table. This unexpected success comes as a significant boost to the sport in Vietnam, especially considering the formidable competition from established weightlifting giants across Asia.

Competing against powerhouses such as China, North Korea, South Korea, Japan, and Uzbekistan, the Vietnamese athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. The team's haul of 2 silver and 6 bronze medals not only surpassed expectations but also saw them outrank traditionally strong nations like South Korea, Japan, India, and Kazakhstan. This performance is a stark contrast to their 15th place finish in the 2024 championships and their historical 10th place standing in the overall Asian medal count.

Key to this success were the outstanding performances of individual athletes. Lại Gia Thành shone brightly, contributing 3 bronze medals in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total categories in the men's 60kg division. Meanwhile, Nguyễn Hoài Hương delivered a stellar performance in the women's 53kg category, clinching 2 silver and 1 bronze medals. Quàng Thị Tâm also added to the medal tally with 2 silver medals in the women's 58kg category. These individual triumphs collectively propelled Vietnam to its highest-ever ranking at this prestigious event, showcasing the growing strength and potential of Vietnamese weightlifting on the continental stage.