China announces largest-ever delegation for 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy

China on Friday announced its largest-ever overseas delegation for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympic Games, comprising 70 athletes and 97 coaches or support staff.

The team will compete in 71 events across six sports — Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling — during the Games scheduled from March 6 to 15.

This year marks China's seventh participation in the Winter Paralympics and sets new records for both the number of events entered and the size of the delegation for an overseas Winter Paralympics, according to the China Disabled Persons' Federation, which organized the delegation.

Among the 70 athletes, who have an average age of 27, 51 are male and 19 are female. They come from nine provincial-level regions, and eight belong to five different ethnic groups. All are amateurs, representing diverse professions such as workers, students, company employees, and freelancers. Sixty-two of the athletes have previous Paralympic experience, while the remaining eight will make their debut at the Games.

Cheng Kai, chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, will lead the delegation, which is expected to depart for Italy early Saturday.

Their goals include pursuing athletic excellence, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship, highlighting China's progress in supporting people with disabilities, and encouraging broader participation in sports among disabled individuals.

More than 600 athletes from over 52 countries and regions are expected to take part in the Winter Paralympics.