China Gears Up for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

The renowned Arc de Triomphe is set to be a stunning backdrop for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, lighting up with the colors of the Paralympic emblem. This event will showcase approximately 4,400 athletes, with China's delegation comprising 516 members who have been diligently preparing through adaptive training to demonstrate their strength and determination on this global stage.

Among these, China's 284 Paralympians are ready to take part in 19 different sports, ranging from athletics to badminton, competing in a total of 302 events during the games, which run from Wednesday until September 8. This also marks China's 11th appearance at the Summer Paralympics, where the athletes come from diverse backgrounds including students, civil servants, workers, and farmers.

China's journey in the Paralympics began in 1984, marking a significant milestone when Ping Yali brought home the first Paralympic gold medal in the women's long jump. At the last Summer Paralympics held in Tokyo in 2021, the country achieved an impressive haul of 207 medals, including 96 golds, topping the medal standings.

Historically, China has emerged as a formidable force in various sports such as wheelchair fencing, swimming, athletics, and badminton. Veteran athlete Yao Juan is eager to compete in her seventh Paralympics event, aiming to excel in shot put and discus while mentoring younger athletes with her extensive experience.

The Chinese women's wheelchair basketball team, after securing a silver medal in Tokyo, is determined to elevate their performance this time around. Coach Chen Qi expressed confidence in the team, hoping they can showcase their best abilities without regrets.

Key players like Zhao Shuai, an essential member of the table tennis squad, are dedicatedly intensifying their training to achieve peak performance. Zhao emphasizes the importance of every training session, eager to refine his skills ahead of the games.

China's archers have also been working hard, with first-time competitor Gan Jun focusing on mastering the environmental factors affecting their game. Meanwhile, coach Dong Zhi highlights the strong camaraderie that has developed among international athletes, creating opportunities for exchange and support.

Safety remains a top priority for the delegation, as emphasized by Ma Litao, who oversees preparations and athlete welfare. Zhang Chenglin confirmed that all equipment checks by the International Paralympic Committee have been completed, ensuring that the athletes are well prepared and safely ready to begin the Games.