Chinese athletes poised for Paris Paralympics glory

The iconic Arc de Triomphe, now illuminated by the vibrant red, blue and green of the Paralympic emblem, will serve as the backdrop for around 4,400 athletes from around the world as they take part in Wednesday night's opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

China's 516-member delegation has spent days preparing with adaptive training, and is poised to showcase the strength, skill and determination of the nation's athletes to the world.

With an average age of 25.8 years old, China's 284 Paralympians are set to participate in 19 sports, including archery, athletics and badminton, across 302 events at the 17th Summer Paralympic Games, which will be held in Paris from Wednesday to Sept 8.

This marks China's 11th delegation at the Summer Paralympics. All athletes are amateurs, representing a variety of professions, ranging from workers and farmers to students, civil servants and freelancers.

China made its Paralympics debut in 1984, when Ping Yali won the country's first Paralympic gold medal in the women's long jump. In 2021, at the Tokyo Paralympics, China secured 207 medals, including 96 golds, making it to the top of the gold medal count and the overall standings.

In recent Paralympic Games, China has established itself as a dominant force in sports such as wheelchair fencing, swimming, powerlifting, athletics, table tennis, archery, shooting and badminton.

Veteran track and field athlete Yao Juan, preparing for her seventh Paralympics, is filled with anticipation. "I'll be giving everything I have in the shot put and discus events, while also passing on the knowledge and experience I've gained over the years to help our younger athletes succeed," the 40-year-old said.

China's women's wheelchair basketball team, which won a historic silver medal in Tokyo, is determined to go one step further this time. The team has been refining its lineup and tactics, bolstered by international warm-up matches in May.

"We're ready," said head coach Chen Qi. "I hope the girls will perform to the best of their ability and have no regrets."

At Hall 4 of the South Paris Arena, Zhao Shuai, a key player in China's Paralympic table tennis team, has been rigorously preparing for the Games. Engaged in the men's singles, doubles and mixed doubles, Zhao has been dedicating long hours to training, aiming to keep his physical and technical skills at their highest levels.

"Every training session and match opportunity is precious to me," Zhao said. "I'm focused on maintaining optimal condition and sharp reflexes."

At an archery training ground near Les Invalides, China's Paralympic archers have been honing their skills. After landing a bull's-eye, Gan Jun, competing in his first Paralympics, said, "Wind speed and direction play a big role in how the arrow lands. I'm working to adapt quickly and get into top form." Like many others on the team, Gan is eager to take on the challenge of the Paris Games.

Dong Zhi, coach of China's Paralympic archery team, has noted a warm spirit of camaraderie among athletes from different countries since they arrived in Paris. "It feels like joining a large family here," he said. "Athletes often exchange small gifts and share insights on topics like wheelchair modifications. It's a vibrant platform for interaction and exchanges."

Ma Litao, head of the delegation's general office, said the top priority in the training and competition of Paralympians is ensuring their safety, preventing further injuries and avoiding any worsening of existing conditions.

Zhang Chenglin, a staff member from the delegation's sports and competition team, said the athletes have settled into their routines, and all equipment checks by the International Paralympic Committee have been completed.

"Currently, all teams are engaged in adaptive training, with preparations fully in place. Operations are running smoothly, safely and with precision as we gear up for the start of the Games," he said.