Hanoi (VNS/VNA)༒ - Vietnamese athletes have achieved remarkable successes in 2024 with Vietnam News highlighting the five standout events of the year.

1. Women's volleyball team win world championship

In May, the Vietnamese women's volleyball team competed in the 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup, where they clinched the championship. This marked the second time in history that the team have achieved such a feat. Their victory qualified them for the FIVB Challenge Cup 2024, held in the Philippines in July. In the semi-finals, Vietnam lost 1-3 to the Czech Republic, but secured a bronze medal by defeating Belgium 3-1 in the third-place match. This achievement is significant as it represents Vietnam’s first bronze medal in an official FIVB tournament.

2. Powerlifter Le Van Cong wins bronze at the 2024 Paris Paralympics

The 2024 Paris Paralympics marked Le Van Cong's fourth appearance at the world's largest sports event for individuals with disabilities. His bronze medal in the men’s up to 49kg category is a remarkable achievement, especially considering he was still recovering from a shoulder injury. Seven Vietnamese athletes qualified for the tournament, reflecting a strong showing for the country's delegation. Cong previously held the world record in his category with a lift of 183.5kg, set at the 2017 World Championship in Mexico, and won gold at the Rio Paralympics in 2016. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his career, he exemplifies resilience and determination.

3. Women's futsal team win ASEAN championship

Vietnam became the inaugural champions of the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship 2024, defeating Thailand 2-1 in a thrilling extra-time final in November in Manila, Philippines. This victory marks an historic moment for Vietnamese futsal as it was the first time the tournament was held. In addition to the team title, Phuong Anh was recognised as the top scorer with five goals, while captain Trinh Nguyen Thanh Hang was voted the Most Valuable Player.

4. Sharp shooter Trinh Thu Vinh named Vietnam’s most outstanding athlete of the year

With a total score of 1,286, Trinh Thu Vinh was crowned Vietnam’s most outstanding athlete of 2024 in a national poll organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, along with various sports committees. Vinh had an exceptional year, winning a gold medal at the Asian Shooting Championships and finishing in the top four in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

5. Cueist Tran Quyet Chien shines in world events

Tran Quyet Chien had a stellar year in 2024, winning the Carom 3-Cushion World Team Championship and two World Cup titles in Colombia and the Netherlands. These victories highlight a significant milestone for Vietnam in carom billiards. With two World Cup championships this year, Chien has now secured four titles overall, placing him among the top ten most successful players in the World Cup arena and making him the most successful Asian representative. Previously, he won the World Cup in HCM City in 2018 and in Porto in 2023. The 41-year-old has been the number one player in Vietnam for six consecutive years. Chien’s impressive achievements also set up a dramatic competition for the title of 'Best Player of the Year' alongside world number one Dick Jaspers from the Netherlands. Although Chien finished second overall (with the same points but losing on tie-break criteria), he received a bonus of up to 400 million VND. In domestic events, Chien consistently dominates tournaments such as the Tour 1 HBSF, Say2 Master 3C 2024 and the 3C Cup Lux Pro 2024./.