Hanoi, 16 September, 2025 – French Embassy in Vietnam has officially announced that Vietnamese Paralympic powerlifter Le Van Cong will be awarded the prestigious Gold Medal for Youth, Sports and Community Engagement. The honor recognizes his outstanding athletic achievements, resilience, and inspirational role in society.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 22 in Ho Chi Minh City. Earlier this month, the French Embassy informed Le Van Cong of the honor, highlighting his extraordinary journey as a Paralympic athlete.
The announcement stated: “Your illustrious career as a Paralympic athlete embodies determination, sporting excellence, and the will to overcome adversity. Through your dedication and achievements, you have become an inspiration for Vietnamese youth, thanks to the values of courage and perseverance you represent.”
During a recent meeting with the leadership of the Vietnam Sports Administration, representatives of the French Embassy confirmed the program to present the medal to the celebrated athlete.
Le Van Cong, based in Ho Chi Minh City, is widely regarded as one of Vietnam’s greatest Paralympic athletes. In 2024, he was voted the nation’s most outstanding para-athlete, following his remarkable performances on the international stage. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, he won a bronze medal in the men’s 49kg category, which was also the only medal secured by the Vietnam para-sports delegation at the competition.
His illustrious career includes a historic gold medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, where he became Vietnam’s first-ever Paralympic champion. He followed that achievement with a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, further cementing his legacy as a powerhouse in para-powerlifting.
Beyond the medals, Le Van Cong is admired for his unyielding spirit. Competing at the highest level despite physical challenges, he has consistently demonstrated resilience and dedication. His story has inspired countless young people in Vietnam and beyond, showing that barriers can be broken with determination and hard work.
This latest honor from France not only recognizes his sporting excellence but also celebrates his broader contributions to society. By embodying the values of perseverance and courage, Le Van Cong has become a symbol of hope and motivation, particularly for young athletes and people with disabilities striving to achieve their dreams.
As the November ceremony approaches, the recognition serves as another milestone in Le Van Cong’s remarkable journey — a journey that continues to uplift Vietnamese sports while leaving a lasting legacy of inspiration for generations to come.
Dang Long
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