The journey of China's women's wheelchair basketball team is nothing short of remarkable. Once an underdog in the world of wheelchair basketball, the team shocked the global sports community at the Tokyo Paralympics, securing a silver medal with a record of six wins and just one loss. This incredible feat was the result of years of dedication, perseverance, and the guidance of head coach Chen Qi (陈琦), who took charge of the team in 2017 with one clear mission: to bring them to the podium.
"When I first joined the national team, I promised to lead these athletes to the podium," said Chen. "It wasn't just a dream—it became a belief." This unwavering commitment drove the team to their breakthrough moment in Tokyo, a victory not just for the team but for the sport in China.
Wheelchair basketball in China had long been a sport playing catch-up. The sport made its Paralympic debut in 1960, and by 1968, women's wheelchair basketball was introduced at the Paralympics. However, China's entry into the sport came much later, with the first women's team forming in 2005. This delay meant that the team faced significant hurdles in terms of equipment, training methods, and international experience.
Chen Qi himself embodies the resilience of the sport in China. Paralyzed by polio as an infant, Chen's passion for sports led him to wheelchair basketball at the age of 23. His journey, from discovering the sport to becoming a leader on the court, mirrors the challenges and triumphs of his team. With Chen at the helm, the women's team began their rise, not only learning the rules of the game but mastering the unique challenges posed by playing in wheelchairs.
The Power of Teamwork and Endurance
Building a team from scratch is no easy task, especially in a country where wheelchair basketball has limited exposure. But Chen Qi had a vision, and it started with finding players who were not only willing but eager to train relentlessly. He traveled across the country, recruiting women from various backgrounds—some were former rowers, others had tried and failed in other sports. But what united them was a desire to push beyond their limitations.
"Many of the girls had never played any sport, let alone basketball," Chen Qi recalled. "But when they said, 'Coach, I want to play basketball,' that was all I needed to hear." Despite their lack of experience, the players threw themselves into grueling training sessions, often practicing for more than 10 hours a day, learning to maneuver their wheelchairs and fine-tune their skills.
Chen Qi's training philosophy was simple: outwork the competition. "We might not have the best shooting accuracy, but I wanted us to be faster, stronger, and more skilled in wheelchair control," he explained. The team's intense focus on physical conditioning, wheelchair technique, and endurance paid off as they quickly began to close the gap between themselves and more experienced international teams.
It wasn't just about the physical demands of the sport. The emotional and mental toll of becoming elite athletes also weighed on the team. Many of the players had sustained life-changing injuries in road accidents or due to illness, and their journey to the basketball court represented a personal struggle for dignity and independence. For them, wheelchair basketball became more than just a game—it was a means to rebuild their lives and prove their worth.
A Silver Lining and the Road to Paris 2024
The team's breakthrough at the Tokyo Paralympics was a culmination of years of hard work. Finishing second in the tournament was a historic achievement for China, elevating the women's wheelchair basketball team to global recognition. But for Coach Chen, the final match was bittersweet. "We reached the final, but you could see that our energy was depleted. We were exhausted, both mentally and physically," he reflected. Despite the disappointment of not clinching the gold, the silver medal marked a turning point.
The Tokyo Games transformed these athletes from local heroes to national icons. Players like Zhang Xuemei (张雪梅), who had been paralyzed in a road accident at 18, went from being seen as "the unfortunate child" in her hometown to a symbol of pride. "After the Paralympics, people called me a champion. My family was so proud," Zhang Xuemei said. For many of these women, their success on the court also gave them a newfound sense of purpose, enabling them to support their families financially and emotionally.
As the team sets its sights on the Paris 2024 Paralympics, the challenges are far from over. The physical demands of training, the injuries that come with high-performance sports, and the lack of domestic competition are all obstacles they must overcome. To prepare, Chen Qi has focused on refining their tactical knowledge and shooting accuracy, and the team has recently sparred with top teams from the Netherlands, the U.S., and the U.K.
For Chen Qi, the upcoming Paralympics represent a chance for redemption. "In Tokyo, we were the underdogs. Now, the world is watching us," he said. International teams are studying China's tactics, analyzing their plays, and preparing for the formidable challenge they pose. But Chen is confident. "We've come a long way, and the girls have proven themselves. Now, it's about reaching that next level."
Looking beyond Paris, Chen's dream is to make wheelchair basketball accessible to the millions of disabled individuals across China. With 85 million people living with disabilities, Chen believes that the sport can offer a path to dignity and empowerment for many. "I want these girls to win not just in competition, but in life," he said. "Because the real gold medal is living with respect and independence."
As the summer of 2024 approaches, the world will once again watch China's women's wheelchair basketball team in action. Their story is one of resilience, teamwork, and the unyielding pursuit of greatness—a journey that began on wheels and continues to inspire many.
