Officials light a lantern from the cauldron during the Paralympic Torch-Lighting Ceremony for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at Stoke Mandeville, Britain, August 24, 2024. /Xinhua
Editor's note: Adriel Kasonta, a special commentator for CGTN, is a London-based foreign affairs analyst and commentator. He is the founder of AK Consultancy and former chairman of the International Affairs Committee at Bow Group, the oldest conservative think tank in the UK. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
As the Paris Paralympic Games approach, China finds itself at a pivotal crossroads, not just in the realm of sports but also in the broader narrative of human rights and inclusiveness. With 284 athletes competing in 19 sports across 302 events, China's delegation is overwhelmingly favored to top the medal rankings. However, beyond the chase for medals, China has an unparalleled opportunity to showcase its approach to human rights protection and national development by sharing the inspiring stories of its Paralympic athletes.
China has become a powerhouse in the Paralympic Games over the past two decades, topping the medal table consistently since Athens 2004. With a 516-member delegation, including a 23-person medical team, China's commitment to the success and safety of its athletes is undeniable. The depth of support provided – from specialists in orthopedics and rehabilitation to those in ophthalmology and endocrinology – underscores a holistic approach to athlete care. This is a welcome and necessary shift, given the unique physical challenges Paralympic athletes face, ensuring they can compete without exacerbating existing conditions or suffering new injuries.
However, as impressive as this level of preparation is, China's participation in the Paralympics is about much more than athletic performance. It is an opportunity to share the stories of its athletes – stories that speak of resilience, determination, and the universal human spirit. These narratives, filled with instances of overcoming adversity, offer a potent counterpoint to the often-one-dimensional view of China's approach to human rights, particularly the rights of those with disabilities.
Take, for instance, the inspiring journey of Chen Minyi, the Chinese archer who clinched two gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Despite Chen's immense pressure and the self-imposed challenge to surpass her world record, Chen's unwavering determination to defend her titles in Paris exemplifies Paralympians' indomitable spirit. Her story is one of personal triumph and societal progress, highlighting how support and opportunity can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Similarly, Zhang Liangmin, a veteran discus thrower competing in her fifth Paralympic Games, and Gao Fang, a wheelchair racer who has overcome polio, are not just athletes but symbols of a broader narrative of perseverance against the odds. Gao's remarkable ascent, marked by a championship record at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships, and Zhang's longevity and success in her sport serve as reminders that disability does not diminish one's potential to excel, inspire, or contribute to society. Their achievements are a cause for celebration and a source of pride for all.
Zhang Liangmin of China sets a new world record at the Tokyo Paralympics para-athletics women's discus throw event in Tokyo, Japan, August 31, 2021. /CFP
These athletes' stories are woven into the fabric of China's broader narrative of development and inclusiveness. The Chinese government has made significant strides in recent years to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, integrating them into the national development strategy, and thus reflecting a commitment to development through inclusivity that aligns with the spirit of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a landmark human rights treaty that promotes the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, which Beijing ratified in 2008.
Yet, there is room for China to do more. For China, this means taking the next step in its Paralympic journey: moving from a focus on athletic success to a deeper commitment to social change. The world knows China as a sporting juggernaut; now, it is time for China to be recognized for its efforts in fostering a more inclusive society. This involves not just celebrating Paralympic victories but also amplification of the voices of those who often go unheard.
Xu Yixiao, captain of China's sitting volleyball team, encapsulates this sentiment beautifully. "Sitting volleyball showed me that my disability wasn't an obstacle to pursuing my sports dreams but a new starting point," she says. Her words are a clarion call for a broader understanding of disability – not as a limitation but as a different path to achievement. This perspective is essential for a society striving for inclusiveness and equality.
As the world watches China's athletes compete in Paris, the medals they win will be a testament to their hard work and determination. But perhaps more importantly, the stories they share will remind us all of the transformative power of sport and the importance of a society that values and supports every one of its members, regardless of their physical abilities.
In the end, the true measure of China's success in Paris will be the number of medals it brings home and the extent to which it can leverage the Paralympic platform to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable world. Through its participation, China has the chance to celebrate its athletes and showcase a vision of human rights grounded in resilience, community, and shared progress.
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