Van Vun wins Cambodia’s first Asian Para Games medal
The wheelchair racer took bronze in the men’s T54 100 metres in Nagoya as Cambodia prepares to host the 2029 Asian Youth Para Games.
Wheelchair racer Van Vun earned Cambodia’s first Asian Para Games medal with bronze in the men’s T54 100 metres at the 2026 competition in Nagoya, Japan. His time in the final was 14.10 seconds, following a victory in his second qualifying heat in 14.31 seconds.
National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia (NPCC) secretary-general Yi Veasna said the result ended the country’s wait for a medal across five appearances, beginning with its debut in 2010. The Nagoya Games drew a record 45 countries.
The Cambodian delegation arrived at Techo International Airport on October 26. Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many, who also serves as NPCC vice-president, welcomed the team.
Van Vun said he had previously placed fifth or sixth or been eliminated in the heats. He credited his improvement to training, coaching guidance and support from his family and the sporting community.
He also said a new racing wheelchair supplied by Hun Many had helped his performance. Pain in his right shoulder, which had troubled him for two to three years, had gone away, allowing him to train and compete better.
At the closing ceremony, the Asian Paralympic Committee president announced Cambodia’s preparations to stage the sixth Asian Youth Para Games in 2029.
