Vietnamese sprinter Ta Ngoc Tuong continues to impress on the track after setting another national record and winning a silver medal at the 2026 Asian U23 Athletics Championship. His latest performance has strengthened hopes that he can become one of Vietnam’s top medal contenders at the upcoming Asian Games.
The 21-year-old delivered a powerful race in the men’s 400-meter final. He made a strong start, reached top speed quickly, and held his pace through the finish line. His time of 45.50 seconds earned him the silver medal and established a new national record.
The result marked the third time in less than one year that Tuong has improved Vietnam’s national record in the event. His steady progress has made him one of the country’s brightest young athletes.
This was Tuong’s second appearance at a major continental championship. He said complete focus and guidance from the national coaching staff helped him perform at his best. His latest success has increased expectations ahead of the 20th Asian Games, which will take place later this year.
Tuong was born in Phu Tho Province and discovered athletics after trying several different sports. He chose track and field when he was 14 years old in 2019.
His first events were middle-distance races, but the results were not encouraging. Coaches later suggested he switch to sprinting, and the decision quickly changed his career.
Tuong said his energetic personality fits the 400-meter race much better than longer events. He believes the event allows him to use his speed and strength more effectively.
His rapid improvement became clear in 2024 when he broke the national youth record at the Ho Chi Minh City Athletics Open. He finished the race in 47.40 seconds, showing that he was ready to compete at a higher level.
Only a few months later, he achieved another major milestone. During his first national championship, Tuong clocked 45.59 seconds, breaking the national senior record that had stood for ten years.
The previous record belonged to experienced runner Quach Cong Lich. The veteran athlete watched the performance and praised Tuong’s development, saying the young sprinter had the potential to reach even greater achievements.
Bulgarian coach Vladimir Hristov Simeonov also expressed confidence in Tuong’s future. He said the runner has excellent physical ability, strong sprinting skills, and the potential to improve even further.
The coach’s prediction soon proved correct.
About four months later, Tuong earned a place on Vietnam’s SEA Games athletics team. Together with three teammates, he won the mixed 4×400-meter relay gold medal.
The team completed the race in 3 minutes 19.29 seconds, setting both a tournament record and a new national record.
During the same competition, Tuong also produced a remarkable individual performance in the 400 meters. His unofficial time of 45.53 seconds was faster than the national record.
However, a technical problem during the competition prevented the result from being officially recognized. The recorded time placed him second instead, and the record was not confirmed.
Despite that disappointment, Tuong continued to improve. Earlier this month, he lowered the national record again at the Asian U23 Athletics Championship in China with his 45.50-second performance.
National coach Vu Ngoc Loi praised the young sprinter’s remarkable progress. He said athletes often spend many years trying to break one national record, but Tuong has achieved the feat several times within a short period.
According to the coaching staff, his continued success is encouraging for the future of Vietnamese athletics.
Simeonov said Tuong now follows a carefully planned training program that is adjusted for each major competition. The coach believes his athlete is capable of competing successfully not only in Southeast Asia but also against the best runners across the continent.
Statistics also support that confidence.
Tuong’s personal best of 45.50 seconds is faster than the bronze medalist’s 45.65 seconds at the previous Asian Games. While every championship brings different conditions and strong competition, the result shows that Tuong can challenge for a place on the podium.
His coaches believe international experience has helped him grow as both an athlete and a competitor. They say his confidence, race strategy, and mental strength continue to improve with every major event.
Tuong remains focused on his next goal. He said he will continue training hard and hopes to produce his best performance when he represents Vietnam at the Asian Games later this year.
