Hearing-impaired table tennis player shines at China National Games

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One change that makes this year's National Games different from previous versions is the addition of events for amateur athletes. That gave competitors like table tennis player Shi Ce an opportunity to take center stage on a platform that was beyond their reach.

Shi, from east China's Zhejiang Province, was born with an ear condition that impaired her hearing. However, she did not let that stop her from excelling with a paddle.

She was born with congenital malformation in her right ear, and while her parents took her to hospital when she was young, they were told surgery may lead to facial paralysis.

After deciding not to go through the treatment, Shi started to play table tennis at the age of seven, in a bid to take her mind away from the problem.

Shi Ce celebrating victory with her teammates. /Photo via sohu.com‍

"I was very self-conscious due to the situation with my ear. But when I started playing table tennis, that gave me confidence and joy. I think I am just as much of a person as anybody else," said Shi.

The 32-year-old, who hears through the use of advanced hearing aids, has participated at the Summer Deaflympics four times since 2005, winning 11 gold medals for China – memories the Zhejiang native holds very dear.

"I got married five years ago, but we don’t have a child. My husband is truly supporting me while I play table tennis. I planned to retire this August, but I thought I should play at the National Games for my final competition."

Table tennis is one of 19 events at the National Games, and this year in Tianjin, amateur athletes looking to play on the National Stage have gotten their chance. Shi received an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong ambition.

Despite her plans to retire and have a child, Shi will always carry on her love for the sport that has given her so much, as she gets set to go through with something even more rewarding.

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