Vietnam makes comeback to win Asian shooting gold after 10-point deficit to Indonesia

Vietnam participated in the mixed 10 m air pistol final with coach Tran Quoc Cuong, shooters Trinh Thu Vinh and Pham Quang Huy (from left) at the 2025 Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup, in Bangkok, Thailand on Feb. 12, 2025. Photo by ASC

In the qualification round of the mixed 10m air pistol, Vietnam led the 23-team field with 577 points after 60 shots, while Indonesia placed second. Although Indonesia and Taiwan both scored 575 points, Indonesia advanced with more shots that were close to the bullseye.

In the final on Wednesday, Thu Vinh and Quang Huy faced Indonesia’s Darmoyo Arista Perdana Putri and Prabowa Muhamad Iqbal Raia in a 15-round contest. Each shooter fired one shot per round, and their combined scores determined the winner. The first team to reach 16 points would secure victory.

Vietnam stumbled early, losing the first four rounds. Coach Tran Quoc Cuong stepped in, offering guidance that brought smiles to their faces. This moment marked a turning point. Thu Vinh responded with a 10.2 score while Quang Huy managed 8.7, while Darmoyo and Prabowa scored 9.5 and 10.3, helping Indonesia lead 10-0.

However, Vietnam ended their streak by winning the fifth round, 18.9–17.9. With a renewed focus, they won four consecutive rounds, tying the match at 10-10. The 11th round ended in a dramatic 19.8–19.8 tie. Vietnam surged ahead with a 20.4–17.7 victory in the 12th round but lost the next, 19.6–20.6, leaving the score tied once more.

In the final two rounds, Vietnam’s shooters demonstrated nerves of steel. In the 14th round, Thu Vinh and Quang Huy scored 10.1 and 9.9, respectively, while Indonesia fell short with scores of 7.6 and 9. In the decisive 15th round, Quang Huy delivered a clutch 10.5, outscoring Prabowa’s 9. Despite Darmoyo’s strong 10.6, Thu Vinh’s 9.3 ensured the win for Vietnam with a score of 19.8–19.6.

Vietnam triumphed 17-13 after 15 rounds, with Thu Vinh and Quang Huy sharing smiles and a celebratory fist bump. This gold medal marks Vietnam’s first victory at the 2025 Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup. The duo previously won gold in the same event at the Asian Championship in Indonesia.

Pham Quang Huy (R) fist bumps Trinh Thu Vinh to celebrate after beating Indonesia in the mixed event final. Photo by ASC

Quang Huy and Thu Vinh have emerged as Vietnam’s rising stars in air pistol shooting. Quang Huy, 28, represents Hai Phong and previously won Vietnam’s first gold medal in the men’s 10m air pistol at the 19th Asian Games. Thu Vinh, 24, achieved fourth place in the women’s 10 m air pistol final at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Later on Wednesday, both Quang Huy and Thu Vinh competed in the individual 10 m air pistol qualifying round. Thu Vinh did excellent as she topped the qualifiers while Quang Huy peaked fifth. They will compete at their respective individual events on Thursday.

The 2025 Asian Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup runs from Feb. 9 to 22 in Thailand, featuring 280 elite shooters from 23 countries and territories. Participants will vie for medals in seven men’s events, five women’s events, two mixed and six youth events. Notably, this year’s tournament lacks competitors from powerhouses China and India.

Vietnam brought 18 athletes to this tournament. The team will also take part in the Asian Championship in Kazakhstan in August, the World Championship in Egypt in November, and the SEA Games 33 in Thailand in December.