Chinese delegation for Hangzhou Asian Para Games established

Flame lighting ceremony for Hangzhou Asian Para Games Photo:VCG

The Chinese delegation for the Hangzhou Asian Para Games was established on Wednesday as the city in East China's Zhejiang Province has recalibrated its facilities to welcome athletes with disabilities from across Asia.

The Chinese delegation consists of 723 people with a total of 439 athletes. They will take part in the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, which will take place from October 22 to 28.

The athletes, with an average age of 26.5 years, will compete in 22 sports and 397 events at the Games. The youngest athlete is 13 years old.

The athletes come from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Some 215 athletes will make their debut at the Asian Para Games.

The Chinese delegation has dominated the past three Para Games by winning the most gold medals and medals in total. Athletics, swimming, table tennis, powerlifting, wheelchair fencing, badminton, cycling, and archery are some of the events in which China excels. 

Hailed as one of the best Asian Games by the Olympic Council of Asia officials, the Hangzhou Asian Games concluded on Sunday with a memorable closing ceremony. 

The city has undergone a barrier-free transition to upgrade its public spaces for people with disabilities.

Among the 19 competition venues for the Hangzhou Asian Games, 17 will be used again for the Para Games. 

The barrier-free switch started after the Asian Games. According to reports, the fixed barrier-free facilities of the competition venues have been completed. Installation of temporary barrier-free facilities, covering areas such as arrival and departure, passage, game viewing, award ceremonies, press, athlete lounges and athlete service areas will be completed by October 15.

Cheng Kai, head of the Chinese delegation, called on Chinese athletes to strive for national glory and good performances on the home court. 

"The Hangzhou Para Games are a good opportunity for us to prepare for next year's Paris Paralympic Games," said Cheng.

The athlete's village at the Para Games will open on October 16.

Meanwhile, tickets for the Hangzhou Para Games have gone on sale online. A total of 11 events, including Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Fencing and Sitting Volleyball, are available for purchase.