China sends record 167-member team to 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina
The 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina will begin this Friday, with China sending its largest-ever delegation. A team of 167 members, including 70 athletes, will compete across six sports. Their mission goes beyond winning medals—it's about showcasing the determination and skill of China's athletes with disabilities.
China's delegation features experienced competitors, with 62 athletes having prior Paralympic experience. The group's average age is 27, ranging from 18 to 40. Among them is Zhang Mengqiu, a two-time gold and three-time silver medallist in Para alpine skiing, who will return for another campaign.
The wheelchair curling team, led by skipper Wang Haitao, will aim to defend their gold medal from Beijing 2022. Meanwhile, Liu Sitong will take on five alpine skiing events, and Ji Lijia will compete in men's UL snowboard cross and banked slalom. Both athletes have been chosen as flag-bearers for the opening ceremony.
Over 600 athletes from 56 nations will compete in 79 events, marking the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics. China's team will challenge traditional powerhouses like Norway, the US, and Austria, building on their recent success in both Summer and Winter Games.
China's delegation arrives with a mix of seasoned champions and rising talent. Their performance could shift the balance in Paralympic winter sports. The Games will also highlight the growing global participation in adaptive athletics.
