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Chinese athletes pose for a photo after winning gold in the 4x100m universal relay at the Paris Paralympics on September 6, 2024. Photo: VCG

With 94 gold, 76 silver, and 50 bronze, China once again topped both the gold medal tally and the overall medal table at the 17th Paralympic Games that concluded on Sunday, marking the sixth consecutive time to do so since the 2004 Athens Paralympics. 

On top of that, Chinese athletes have broken 20 world records. Swimming, athletics, table tennis, and wheelchair fencing contributed the largest number of medals to Team China's tally.

The State Council - China's cabinet - on Sunday sent a congratulatory letter to the Chinese Paralympic team following these achievements to encourage them to continue embodying the spirit of perseverance and excellence.

"Generations of Chinese athletes have consistently delivered exceptional performances on the Paralympic stage, and this has become a tradition. This confidence is not only the athletes' personal belief but also a reflection of our nation's self-assurance as a global sports power," Luo Le, a Beijing-based sports scholar, told the Global Times.

Luo noted that Paralympic athletes' greatness lies in their extraordinary determination and perseverance despite physical challenges. Their stories inspire the world and demonstrate the boundless potential of humanity. Therefore, Paralympians deserve more support and encouragement, and Paralympic sports should receive greater attention.

Hu Yang celebrates after winning gold with teammates in the 4x100m universal relay at the Paris Paralympics on September 6, 2024. Photo: VCG

Continued legacy

In Paris, the Chinese sports delegation participated in 19 major events and 302 minor events at the 2024 Paralympics, claiming a total of 220 medals - 94 gold, 76 silver, and 50 bronze.

The Chinese wheelchair fencing team competed in all categories, securing 10 gold medals in 16 events. The badminton team participated in 14 events, increasing their gold medal count from five at the previous Paralympics to nine this time. Team sports such as sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball and goalball all advanced to the semifinals and won medals.

In the swimming events, Chinese swimmers won two golds, three silvers, and two bronzes in a single day. In the mixed 4x50m relay, Chinese swimmers won the final with a time of 2:24.83, breaking the world record. This marked the 600th gold medal for the Chinese delegation in the history of the Summer Paralympics.

In athletics, Chinese players won four golds, three silvers, and four bronzes. Wen Xiaoyan broke the Paralympic record in the women's 100m T37 to win gold; Jin Hua set a new Paralympic record in the men's 800m T54 to claim the top spot; and Wu Qing broke the Paralympic record in the women's shot put F33 to take gold.

Li Yujie, who won China's first Paralympic gold in taekwondo, told the media that she hopes more people will take the time to understand Paralympic sports and realize that people with disabilities are not a burden to the society, as they are striving for excellence like anyone else.

"I treat every match at the Paralympics as if it were my last, trying hard to achieve the results I desire," Li said. Her lifelong passion for sports and rigorous training has led to her impressive achievements in both domestic and international competitions.

"China has consistently dominated top spot on the Paralympic podium, now regularly surpassing 200 medals. I believe that the brilliant performances of Chinese Paralympic athletes reflect the enduring sports spirit of China," Deng Bowen, a frequent spectator of the Paralympics, told the Global Times.

Gold medalist He Shenggao (center), silver medalist Lu Dong (left), and bronze medalist Cheng Jiao pose for a photo after the women's 200m individual medley - SM5 swimming event at the Paris Paralympics on September 7, 2024. Photo: VCG

An indispensable role 

"China has consistently supported the training and competition of Paralympic athletes, whose achievements serve as important role models, inspiring people with disabilities nationwide in their rehabilitation and pursuit of an active life," Luo Chaofan, a rehabilitation therapist from the National Health Commission, told the Global Times.

According to reports, China has integrated Paralympic sports into its national sports strategies. As sports services for people with disabilities are increasingly accessible in communities and homes, more people with disabilities are engaging in sports for rehabilitation and fitness purposes.

Since the third National Games for Persons with Disabilities in 1992, this event has become part of the national sporting calendar. This has marked a transition toward the institutionalized and standardized development of Paralympic sports.

Luo Chaofan said the Paralympics has become a crucial part of promoting public health and social inclusivity in China.

According to Qiushi Journal, over 10,600 fitness demonstration sites for people with disabilities have been established across China, with 125,000 social sports instructors for people with disabilities graduating from training programs over recent years. Fitness programs for people with severe disabilities have provided services to 434,000 households.

Luo Chaofan noted that the country is increasingly investing in rehabilitation technologies and assistive devices for the disabled. 

"Today, high-tech prosthetics, smart wheelchairs, and other advanced equipment are helping athletes with disabilities enhance their ­performance and improve their daily rehabilitation training," he said.