Thrilling Doubles Victories Kick Off the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris
The first titles of the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were decided in an evening filled with emotion, staying true to the Paralympics’ finest traditions. For the first time since 1976, doubles medals were awarded at the Paralympic Games, adding to the historic atmosphere of the night.
In the Class 14 Women’s Doubles, China’s Huang Wenjuan and Jin Yucheng narrowly defeated Germany’s Stephanie Grebe and Juliane Wolf to clinch the first gold medal of the evening (11-4, 9-11, 11-8, 11-8). After dropping the second game, the Chinese team quickly regained their composure, rallying to secure the next two games and ultimately take the victory.
“It feels so good. I never imagined I could get a gold medal. This was a very good start for the whole Chinese team. We practise very hard. We are good friends, too, and we will be even better friends after winning this gold medal together,” said Huang.
This victory is an incredible achievement for both players, but especially for Jin, who is making her Paralympic debut at just 16 years old. Having only begun competing internationally in 2023, her rapid rise in the world of Para table tennis is nothing short of inspiring.
Building on their teammates’ success, China’s Liu Jing and Xue Juan claimed the second gold medal of the night in the Class 5 Women’s Doubles, adding another to China’s growing tally. The formidable duo overpowered Korea Republic’s Seo Su Yen and Yoon Jiyu with a 3-1 victory (11-7, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9).
“We have never played against the opponents in the final, which was a very big challenge. We have adapted in our doubles, and we will continue to work hard in the following singles. I am very happy to win tonight for my daughter. She is still young and I hope I can have more wonderful stories to tell her when she grows up,” said Xue.
This latest triumph further cements Liu and Xue’s spectacular Paralympic legacy. Both players have won every single event they’ve entered in their Paralympic careers, with Liu holding an impressive eight gold medals from four Paralympic Games and Xue securing four gold medals from two Paralympic Games.
The thrilling doubles events were a fitting start to the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, showcasing the skill, determination, and inspirational stories of the world’s top table tennis athletes.
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