Cambodian para-athlete Van Vun has become the first athlete to win a medal for Cambodia at the 5th Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya, Japan, earning widespread acclaim for an achievement that rewards years of dedication by the Kingdom’s para-athletes.
Competing in the men’s 100-metre wheelchair race in the T54 classification, Van Vun topped Heat 2 in the qualifying round with a time of 14.31 seconds, securing his place in the final, where he claimed bronze.
He made history with a time of 14.10 seconds, winning Cambodia’s first-ever medal at the Asian Para Games since the country’s para-sports delegation began participating in the event in 2010.
Yi Veasna, secretary-general of the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia, hailed Van Vun as a hero.
Cambodia sent a team of 17 athletes to at the 2026 games, with more than 3,000 athletes from across Asia competing.
“We have our first medal! Amazing! Congratulations, everyone. Van Vun is a hero, the first to win a medal for Cambodia at the 5th Asian Para Games. I found myself in tears from overwhelming emotion and profound respect and gratitude for this achievement, which brings honour to people with disabilities, our people and our nation,” said Yi, via a social media post.
Sam Heng Boros, vice-president of the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia, who led the Kingdom’s delegation to the games, also expressed pride in Van Vun’s historic medal.
“Cambodia is proud! Our first bronze medal at the Asian level! Congratulations to Van Vun on winning bronze in the men’s 100-metre wheelchair race, T54 classification, at the 5th Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya, Japan,” he wrote.
“This result is a source of pride for Cambodia and a testament to the hard work, perseverance and determination of Cambodian athletes on the international stage. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement,” he added.