Hangzhou, a vibrant city located in the eastern part of China’s Zhejiang Province, is gearing up to host an impressive line-up of talented athletes from various corners of Asia. As the anticipation for the 4th Asian Para Games builds, Hangzhou is witnessing a surge of preparation activities.
Central to these preparations is the establishment of the Chinese delegation. Boasting a strength of 723 members, this delegation is a testament to China’s commitment to sports. Within this massive group, 439 individuals are athletes poised to compete in a series of grueling and captivating events. Spanning from October 22nd to 28th, the Hangzhou Asian Para Games promises to be an event of sheer sporting prowess.
Diving into the details of the delegation, the athletes come with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Averaging at an age of 26.5 years, they represent 31 distinct provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities of China. A special mention must be given to the youngest athlete, who, at a mere 13 years of age, carries the hopes of a nation on young shoulders. It’s noteworthy that 215 of these athletes are newcomers to the Asian Para Games, indicating a fresh wave of talent.
Historically, China’s performance in the Para Games has been nothing short of exemplary. Dominating in numerous disciplines like athletics, swimming, table tennis, powerlifting, badminton, and more, China’s delegation has consistently bagged gold medals, often topping the total medals count.
Just days ago, Hangzhou concluded the Asian Games, an event that garnered praise as one of the best by officials from the Olympic Council of Asia. The city’s commitment to inclusivity became evident as it underwent transformations to accommodate persons with disabilities. A large portion of public spaces was revamped to be barrier-free, enhancing accessibility.
Out of the 19 venues that played host during the Asian Games, 17 have been repurposed for the upcoming Para Games. Immediate efforts post the Asian Games saw the integration of fixed barrier-free facilities at these venues. Moreover, additional temporary facilities are on track for completion by mid-October. These include accommodations for arrivals, departures, viewing areas, award stages, media zones, and athlete lounges, among others.
Cheng Kai, who leads the Chinese delegation, shared an inspiring message for the athletes. Encouraging them to aim for top-notch performances, he emphasized the significance of the Hangzhou Para Games as a preparatory ground for the Paris Paralympic Games slated for the following year.
In tandem with these preparations, the athletes’ village is scheduled to open doors on October 16th. For those eager to witness this grand spectacle, tickets have been made available online. Fans can grab passes for 11 gripping events, including the likes of Wheelchair Basketball and Sitting Volleyball.
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