Hangzhou Paralympians return victorious from Paris

A crowd gathered at Hangzhou International Airport on Sept 10 to welcome back local athletes from the Paris Paralympics.

Among them was Wang Lichao, who won gold in the 4×50m mixed relay and set a new world record alongside teammates Lu Dong, Zhang Li, and Guo Jincheng. Wang, greeted with a floral wreath from his father, expressed his joy at the victory and looked forward to a well-deserved break with his family.

Li Zhangyu, who secured China's first gold medal of this year's Paralympics and his fourth consecutive Paralympic title, was also warmly received by his wife and a group of friends with a custom banner reading, "Welcome Home, Hero of Lin'an (a mountainous district of Hangzhou)!" Li emphasized his desire to continue competing in future Games.

Tan Yujiao, a gold medalist and newly appointed member of the International Paralympic Committee Athletes' Council, celebrated her joy in Paris, expressing pride in representing Chinese Paralympians on the global stage.

In total, Hangzhou athletes secured six gold and five bronze medals, broke four world records, and achieved 11 top-eight finishes at the 17th Summer Paralympics.