China's flag bearers Jiang Yuyan and Di Dongdong during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Sept 8, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
The 17th Summer Paralympic Games concluded on Sept 8 in Paris, where the Chinese delegation delivered another stellar performance. Competing in 19 sports and 302 events, China claimed a total of 94 gold medals, 76 silver, and 50 bronze, securing a dominant victory on both the gold and overall medal tallies, marking their sixth consecutive win in these rankings.
According to delegation secretary-general Chang Zheng, Team China showed an overall improvement in Paris, with the number of gold-winning sports rising from 9 in the previous Games to 12. Athletes medaled in 18 sports, widening their scope of success. In swimming, athletics, weightlifting and cycling, Chinese athletes set 20 world records, while many others achieved personal bests.
China continued to demonstrate its strength in core events such as athletics, swimming, table tennis, badminton and wheelchair fencing.
Breakthroughs were a hallmark of these games. The taekwondo team secured its first-ever Paralympic gold medal, while the boccia team, in its fourth Paralympic appearance, earned two golds, marking their first-ever podium finish.
"Both veteran and young athletes displayed their talents, with the younger generation emerging as a driving force behind China's continued progress in Paralympic sports," Chang said.
Nineteen-year-old swimmer Jiang Yuyan captured seven gold medals, 23-year-old swimmer Guo Jincheng earned four golds and two silvers, and badminton player Qu Zimo, also 23, took home two golds.
China's Paralympic athletes have showcased a deep sense of national pride and patriotism on the global stage, embodying the spirit of the new generation of Chinese youth with their confidence, positivity, and determination to overcome challenges, according to Chang.
Chang highlighted a touching moment of solidarity when Ethiopia's visually-impaired athletes ran out of blindfolds and pads during the Games. "Their first thought was to turn to the Chinese team for help, and we responded immediately. This mutual assistance among athletes reflects the Paralympic ideals of unity and friendship," he said.
The China Disabled Persons' Federation played a crucial role in coordinating preparations for both the Paris Paralympics and the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, ensuring the success of both events. "The outstanding performance at the Hangzhou Games laid a solid foundation for our achievements in Paris," Chang added.
Chang emphasized the China Disabled Persons' Federation's efforts to promote access to sports for people with disabilities, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of sports rehabilitation. The federation has been working to advance grassroots sports for the disabled while improving the standard of competitive sports, promoting balanced development between the two.
"We hope the remarkable performance of the Chinese delegation in Paris will inspire people with disabilities to actively engage in sports and cultural activities, focus on rehabilitation and fitness, develop new skills, and pursue their dreams with courage, creating a better and more fulfilling life," Chang said.