Vietnam’s wrestling team delivered a historic performance at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, clinching three gold medals on a single day thanks to the Nguyen sisters – Nguyen Thi My Hanh, Nguyen Thi My Trang and Nguyen Thi My Linh. Their sweep helped the Vietnamese delegation finish third overall with 278 medals (87 gold, 81 silver, 110 bronze) Vietnam Sports Ministry.
Competing at the Pacific Park Arena in Sriracha, Chonburi, the trio each won in a different weight class on 18 December 2025: Hanh in the 62 kg division, Trang in the 57 kg division and Linh in the 53 kg division. Across 12 matches the sisters spent roughly thirty minutes on the mat, a testament to their dominance Vietnam Wrestling Report.
Gold‑medal performances
My Hanh, the 28‑year‑old eldest sister, opened the day in the 62 kg category. After falling behind 0‑6, she turned the tide with composure and tactical acumen, defeating opponents from Thailand, Laos, Indonesia and the Philippines to claim gold.
My Linh, 22, made her SEA Games debut in the 53 kg class. In the final she out‑scored Thailand’s Kaewkhuanchum Nattakarn 4‑0, securing her first gold medal for Vietnam.
My Trang, 24, completed the trio’s clean sweep in the 57 kg division, using a blend of stamina and close‑range technique to overcome challengers from Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar.
Family roots and community pride
The sisters hail from the modest hamlet of Khe in Thạch Bình village, Quảng Điền commune, near Huế. Their mother, Dang Thi Hue (48), displayed a wall of certificates and medals in their home, a visual record of the family’s ascent from poverty to national fame. Villagers recall the “golden daughters” with palpable pride, noting that each homecoming sparks a celebration.
My Hanh first took up wrestling at 13, encouraged by her cousin Nguyen Manh Tan, a local wrestler who saw potential in her lean frame. After a year and a half of intensive training, she won a junior national gold, having shed weight from 50 kg to 46 kg to meet category limits.
Coaching and training philosophy
Coach Dinh Van Kien, who first identified the sisters’ talent, described their distinct styles: “My Hanh fights aggressively, turning defense into attack. My Trang relies on solid defense and calm, methodical play. My Linh combines Hanh’s power with Trang’s defensive skill, making her the most versatile of the three.”
The sisters train together, sharing techniques and offering mutual support. My Hanh, as the eldest, says she “encourages them to push beyond their limits and discusses any difficulty together,” highlighting a collaborative family approach to elite sport.
Career milestones and national recognition
My Hanh’s SEA Games record includes four consecutive appearances, each yielding a gold medal. She has received a Prime Minister’s Certificate of Merit and, in 2023, was awarded the third‑class Labour Medal by the President of Vietnam. My Trang has similarly secured three straight gold medals at the Games.
Beyond personal accolades, the sisters’ triumph underscores Vietnam’s broader wrestling prowess. The national team captured ten gold medals at the 33rd SEA Games, reinforcing its status as a regional powerhouse.
Impact on Vietnamese sport
According to Phan Thanh Hai, director of Huế’s Department of Culture and Sports, the sisters’ triple gold “is an unprecedented source of encouragement for high‑level athletes in Huế and Vietnam. It shows that with proper investment, regional sports can achieve exceptional results and contribute to national development.”
Looking ahead
Vietnam’s wrestling federation will convene later this year to assess preparations for the 2026 Asian Games, where the Nguyen sisters are expected to represent the country again. Their continued participation will be monitored through official federation releases.
Readers are invited to share their thoughts on this remarkable family achievement and to follow future updates on Vietnam’s wrestling program.
