A historic moment unfolded today at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games as China’s Zhao Shuai and Mao Jingdian were crowned the first-ever Mixed Doubles Paralympic champions. Competing in the Class 17 Mixed Doubles final, Zhao and Mao faced off against their compatriots Peng Weinan and Xiong Guiyan, securing a decisive 11-9, 11-6, 11-8 victory to etch their names into the history books. This win also marks a transformative moment for Para table tennis as it embraces this new event, reflecting ITTF’s broader commitment to gender equality, diversity, and teamwork within the sport.
The first three days of the Games saw the long-awaited return of men’s and women’s doubles, making a historic comeback after last being featured in 1976. This resurgence was marked by exceptional performances, particularly on Day 3, where several gold medals were awarded across the doubles events. In the Men’s Doubles Class 4 final, Slovakia’s Jan Riapos, making his eighth Paralympic appearance, secured his sixth gold medal alongside partner Peter Lovas, who is making his Paralympic debut. This victory cements Riapos’ legacy as a legend of the sport, showcasing his enduring excellence on the Paralympic stage.
In the Women’s Doubles Class 10 final China’s Gu Xiaodan and Pan Jiamin took the top honours. The Men’s Doubles Class 8 also saw China excel, with Cao Ningning and Feng Panfeng clinching the gold. Australia’s Lei Li Na and Yang Qian added another thrilling chapter to the day by winning the Women’s Doubles Class 20 final, making it Australia’s first Para table tennis medal in Paris.
As we move forward, anticipation is building for Sunday’s culmination of the doubles events, with the last medal matches on the horizon starting from 10:00 GMT+2. The excitement will also extend to the start of the singles competitions. Fans can now check out the matchups that promise to deliver high-stakes drama during the final week of intense competition. See the draw results here for the singles competition which is set to begin at 17:00 GMT+2, promising a day filled with more world-class Para table tennis action.
Credit: ITTF Media