Young talent helps China clinch 4th consecutive Para Games title

China secured its fourth consecutive women's wheelchair basketball gold medal at the Asian Para Games on Thursday, overpowering host Japan 75-25 at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya.

"Winning four consecutive titles is very good for the development of our sport," team captain Lin Suiling said after the victory. "It can attract more people with disabilities to take up wheelchair basketball."

Apart from physical rehabilitation, wheelchair basketball helps enormously with mental and emotional well-being, she said.

China established its rhythm early in the final, stringing together several successful shots to take control of the game and boost the team's confidence.

"We made several shots in a row at the beginning of the game and that immediately lifted everyone's spirits," Lin said.

The captain was also encouraged by the emergence of younger players who are preparing to take on greater responsibilities in the national team.

"There are many young players coming through, including players in positions similar to mine," she said.

Among them is 21-year-old Zuo Peixi, who made her Asian Para Games debut in Nagoya. Having joined the national team in 2020, Zuo has experienced the challenges of adapting to the demands of elite wheelchair basketball.

"When I first joined the team, I felt a lot of pressure," she said. "I was worried that I couldn't keep up with the team's training pace or match the level of the other players. The gap between us was quite large."

At one point, Zuo even considered quitting and told her coach she wanted to leave the team.

But her coach refused to give up on her. Teammates also offered encouragement and practical help, allowing her to gradually improve her physical condition and technical skills.

"I'm grateful to my coach for continuing to encourage me and never giving up on me," Zuo said, adding that she would work hard to close the gap with her more experienced teammates and follow in their footsteps.

Chen Qi, the coach who has worked with the national team for almost a decade, said the team's sustained success has been built on a combination of technical ability, collective discipline, and determination.

He said his coaching has focused on individual fundamentals and wheelchair skills, teamwork and communication, and perseverance. The formula has helped China maintain their position among Asia's leading teams.

The next major target is the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. "We hope that as they improve, we can achieve better results at the Paralympic Games," Chen said.

"We definitely want to get close enough to touch that Paralympic gold medal," he added.