Vietnam topped the medal table at the 2026 Southeast Asian Finswimming Championships in Malaysia with 160 medals: 92 golds, 62 silvers and 6 bronzes. The championships ended late on 31 October local time after three days of competition across senior and age-group categories. According to SGGP, the result means Vietnam successfully defended the top spot they won in 2025.
A record-breaking final day
SGGP and Bao Van Hoa both report that Vietnam added 35 golds, 24 silvers and 1 bronze on the final day. The standout was Nguyen Thanh Loc of Ho Chi Minh City, who won 2 golds and set two Southeast Asian records in men's surface finswimming. Nguyen Tien Dat also broke a regional record in winning the men's 400m immersion.
Key Vietnamese golds on the final day, compiled by KBVN+ from both sources:
| Event | Athlete | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's 50m surface | Nguyen Thanh Loc | 15.18 sec | Southeast Asian record |
| Men's 100m surface | Nguyen Thanh Loc | 34.71 sec | Southeast Asian record |
| Men's 400m immersion | Nguyen Tien Dat | 2 min 54.37 sec | Southeast Asian record |
| 400m surface | Luu Nguyen Duc Tam | 3 min 05.76 sec | |
| Mixed 4x100m relay | Vietnam | 2 min 52.47 sec |
A squad of 46
Both papers say Vietnam entered 46 athletes across the full programme, 16 of them from Ho Chi Minh City. SGGP notes this was only the third edition of the championships. The regional federation held the senior and age-group events together in Malaysia, giving young athletes across the region more competitive experience.
What it means for Vietnam
Bao Van Hoa says the success shows the strength in depth of Vietnamese finswimming, not only in the senior squad but also among younger athletes, and is a positive sign for developing the next generation as other Southeast Asian countries invest more in the sport. Winning 35 of the 92 golds on the last day also points to the depth of a squad competing in senior and age-group events at the same time.
What comes next
Bao Van Hoa describes a second straight first place as an important springboard towards continental championships and international events. The sources have not yet given the team's next fixture.