On November 24, CGTN will launch its special series - the Dream Chasers - around the Hangzhou Asian Para Games. It takes a close look at the athletes pursuing their dreams, as well as those supporting them. The first episode, in the run-up to the Asian Para Games, Chinese and Japanese prosthetic makers, Ding Ningning and Yuto Kikuchi, are using their skills to help Chinese national paralympic table tennis players. The partnership ensures the athletes not only regain mobility, but also compete at their best. Our reporter Cao Bing visits the pair in Hebei, to discover the secrets behind their craft. 

Ding Ningning and Yuto Kikuchi share a unique bond that goes beyond friendship.

Their lifelong commitment involves assisting individuals with disabilities, helping them get back on their feet and even compete in sports.

In preparation for the Asian Para Games, the two craftsmen have lent their expertise to produce and adjust prosthetics for Chinese national para table tennis players.

Men's table tennis singles champion, Zhao Yiqing, who won in Tokyo is one of them.

ZHAO YIQING Tokyo Paralympic Table Tennis Champion "A good prosthesis will help me a lot in the competition. They made the prosthetic that helped me win at the Tokyo Paralympics. We've worked together for many years, so I feel secure that Ding and Kikuchi have made the leg for me to use at the Asian Games."

This time, the duo have two missions. The first, adjusting the prosthetic's angle...

"How's that?"

"This looks not bad."

"Yes, it's good."

And second, making a new one for Zhao to compete to the best of his abilities.

DING NINGNING Chinese Prosthesis Maker "Because the athlete's body shape and weight changes during training, we need to make prosthesis right for the competition."

The first step, making a receiving socket, is the most critical. It determines the level of comfort of the prosthetic limb, as well as its ability to provide maximum assistance to the user.

Ding and Kikuchi's expertise comes from their college education over a decade ago when they were classmates in Japan. The field of prosthetics encompasses more than sixty disciplines, from anatomy to material mechanics. A good prosthetic should be customized to perfectly fit the patient's limb, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. 

As the only Chinese individual certified in Japanese prosthetic-making, Ding began the business in China in 2018, with Kikuchi joining him a year later.

Since then, they've improved the quality of life for many, allowing the athletes to take part in a world they never imagined.

But despite their success, they remain humble.

YUTO KIKUCHI Japanese Prosthesis Maker "Some people can't live their life without prosthetics. So our job is indispensable to them. I have to keep improving my skills and meet all their needs."

DING NINGNING Chinese Prosthesis Maker "We make prosthetics for Table tennis players, we've also helped a climber who's made it to the top of Qomolangma, which was his dream for 40 years. It's very meaningful to help them improve their quality of life and help them realize their dream."

The duo say their aspirations for the future are simple. They aim to work hard, helping more individuals in need use better products, making them feel as comfortable as possible in their bodies. 

Cao Bing, CGTN, Shijiangzhuang, Hebei Province.