Hainan, 27 April 2026 – Vietnam canoeing team delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 Asian Canoeing Championships, which also serve as a qualification event for the 2028 Olympic Games. Competing in China, the team concluded their campaign on April 26 (local time) with a strong medal haul of 1 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals, highlighting their growing strength on the continental stage.
The standout achievement came from Nguyen Hong Thai, who secured the gold medal in the men’s C1 5000m event. His victory not only brought pride to the team but also earned crucial ranking points in the race for Olympic qualification. Nguyen Hong Thai further demonstrated his consistency by adding a silver medal in the C1 500m event.
Vietnam’s women’s canoeing squad also made a significant impact. The duo of Nguyen Thi Huong and Diep Thi Huong claimed silver in the C2 1000m event, showcasing excellent coordination and endurance. They also contributed a bronze medal in the C2 500m race, further underlining their competitiveness.
Additional bronze medals came from Pham Hong Quan in the C1 5000m and Huynh Cao Minh in the K1 200m event, rounding off a successful campaign for the Vietnamese delegation.
This championship, recognized by the International Canoe Federation as part of the Olympic qualification pathway, attracted many of Asia’s top athletes. Vietnam entered the competition with its strongest lineup, aiming not only for medals but also for valuable experience against elite opponents.
Prior to the tournament, the team underwent intensive training in Thailand, which proved beneficial in maintaining peak physical condition and tactical sharpness. According to the coaching staff, key athletes are currently in strong form and are on track for upcoming major events, including the 2026 Asian Games in September.
Overall, the results mark an encouraging step forward for Vietnam canoeing as they continue their pursuit of Olympic qualification and long-term development on the international stage.
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