Blind students gain confidence on the pitch

There are 12 players on the team this year, aged between 10 and 20, including five girls. The students practice an hour a day after school, from Monday to Thursday.

"We offer them the most basic training. What's important is to fuel their interest," he said, adding that some of the better players are chosen for training by the provincial team and that some have also taken part in national matches.

Wang began to play in 2005 as soccer for the visually impaired began to develop as a game. He joined the national team, which won a silver medal at the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008. Later, at the Paralympic Games in London and Rio de Janeiro, the team finished fifth and fourth, respectively.

Soccer may seem like an unlikely sport for a blind person, but for Wang, the choice was simple. Recalling past glories, he said, "I could not have imagined what it would be like to play soccer, but when I set foot on the pitch, I felt wonderful."

He added that unlike sighted people, visually impaired players cannot easily protect themselves when struck or falling, so the sport is more dangerous.

He never invited his parents to watch his matches because he didn't want them to worry.

As a graduate of the school, Wang was invited to coach there in 2017.

"Sports opportunities for the visually impaired are limited. Soccer for the blind is a game for the brave－players need courage, patience and perseverance. I hope to create a platform to help the visually impaired exercise and join in competitive sports. That may also give them more choices in life," he said.