Five years since the exuberant success of Jakarta, where a bountiful harvest of medals was procured, China dutifully clinched the first gold medal of the 4th Asian Para Games with an early morning triumph in the women's KL1 canoeing competition by the relentless veteran Xie Maosan. 

Against a backdrop of competitive fervour emanating from the talented paddlers assembled at the Fuyang Water Sports Center, Xie claimed Hangzhou's first accolades upon the water in 55.478 seconds and signaled China's intent to once more emerge as formidable contenders over the coming week on home territory. 

It bears acknowledging that Xie's momentous run to gold represented canoeing's debut appearance at the Asian Para Games. Her achievement holds particular resonance, as the watersports' fresh introduction has enabled the 37-year-old to author history by winning canoeing's first-ever gold medal from the Games. 

Born in east China's Anhui Province, Xie faced the challenge of living with a disability due to contracting polio. In 2015, she embarked on her journey with the national para canoeing team, where she underwent rigorous training.  

Since then, Xie has achieved noteworthy milestones in her sporting career. She secured an impressive fifth-place finish in the 200m event at the 2016 Paracanoe World Championships. Additionally, she has consistently demonstrated her prowess by earning several gold medals at the National Para Games of China.

In the summer of 2021, Xie earned her spot on the national team and represented China at the Tokyo Paralympics. Competing in the women's individual 200m KL1 canoeing final, she crossed the finish line with a time of 56.894 seconds, securing an impressive fifth place.  

On the opening day of the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, Xie tasted further fulfillment as victory was once more hers to claim - realizing this time a long-held aspiration by capturing gold before her adoring home support.