Gold medalist Wang Jian (front C) from Anhui province, silver medalist Wu Guojing (front L) from Shanghai and bronze medalist Yao Xiaoyou (R) of Zhejiang province celebrate on the podium after the men's 56kg powerlifting finals at the 8th National Para Games in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, Oct 13, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

HANGZHOU, China - It's time for other countries to learn from China's para sports experience, said Dato' Zainal Abu Zarin, the President of Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) while attending the Eighth National Para Games of China.

"Now it's time for China to give lessons to the others," said Abu Zarin referring to his suggestions for future development of para sports in China.

"And I told my friends in other countries that if you want to learn something about sports changing people's life, come to China and learn here."

Abu Zarin watched goalball and sitting volleyball matches of the Games on Wednesday morning and was amazed by the high standard of the championships.

"China said it is a national games but the performance class is international. The whole championships are all world class and I expected that because you've done the Beijing Paralympics and Asian Para Games," he said.

Before the trip to Hangzhou, Abu Zarin had traveled to China several times for Beijing Paralympics, Guangzhou Para Games and some other events. To some point, he has become a witness of China's disabled sports growth throughout these years as APC President.

"From Beijing to Guangzhou, from Guangzhou to Hangzhou, it's continuing. It's a kind of transfer," said Abu Zarin while attending the eight-day Games in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province in East China.

Beijing, Guangzhou and Hangzhou, different cities have varied atmosphere but they all shared the same commitment to disabled sports in Abu Zarin's view.

"The commitment of the government is stunning, which is dedicated to the whole people inclusively. And it's not only changing in mind in authorities, but also changing in mind of millions of people inclusive, abled and disabled."

According to him, after almost ten years in the past since 2002, the most satisfactory achievement is Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games.

"It is the climax of eight years of works, planning, talking, strategizing. And most of the people on the streets are happy. That makes me feel good because sport is supposed to make people happy."

The Guangzhou Para Games is the first multi-sports event for the disabled under the title of "Asian". And it is also the first time that Asian Games and Asian Para Games are held in the same year and same city.

As APC President, Abu Zarin hoped to see more young people involved in the disabled group and sports. Meanwhile he also gave advice to China and also to other Asian countries.

"Sports is the media that brings people together, so when China is to hold more International para games, maybe more focus on enhancing the communications among the coaches and athletes would be even better."

By holding para games like Paralympics, the whole society is also educated during the progress. "People now look at children who are disabled not as a liability, but as assets to the family, country and region."

"Basically, sports is about lessons to be learnt and character-building for life. It's also to learn to act by rules and regulations. One can learn much more outside the classroom through practical experience."

"It's what China is doing now so you have met the objective of hosting the Games in Beijing, Guangzhou and Hangzhou. And this would continue many years from now," said Abu Zarin, "Education never ends."