Weightlifter Cong Le Van has won the first-ever gold medal at a Paralympics for Vietnam, securing victory with a world record lift of 183 kg.

The thirty-two-year-old athlete from Ha Tinh Province told Vietnamese news website VnExpress, he hoped the win would “motivate the less fortunate to strive”.

“I also hope that this achievement will make other Vietnamese athletes more confident when they compete at the Paralympics to win many more medals,” he said.

Jordanian weightlifter Omar Qarada finished second with a lift of only 177kg.

The bronze medal went to Hungarian Nandor Tunkel, who lifted 155kg.

The Paralympic Games runs from September 7 to 18.

– TiVi Tuan-san