Attendees at the welcoming ceremony for the Chinese delegation at the Asian Para Games Village in Hangzhou, China, October 16, 2023. /CFP

As the Asian Para Games unfold in Hangzhou on Sunday, an enchanting spectacle of unparalleled talent and unwavering resolve awaits. Asia's finest athletes with disabilities are poised to dazzle and demonstrate their unequivocal mastery across a diverse array of disciplines.

According to the organizers, the conversion of the 17 shared venues between the Asian Para Games and the Asian Games has been successfully accomplished. Each area, from the entrance to various functional zones, has been meticulously designed to provide a fully accessible environment that is both safe and comfortable.  

In an effort to enhance the spectator experience, the number of wheelchair seats has been increased from one-thousandth of the total seating capacity to 1 percent. These improvements ensure that everyone can enjoy the Games in an inclusive setting. 

The construction of accessible facilities in the Asian Para Games Village has been fully completed in Hangzhou, China, October 18, 2023. /CFP

Meanwhile, significant efforts are made to renovate and enhance the Asian Para Games Village. Approximately 1,100 accessible beds have been set up, aiming to provide a comfortable and cozy accommodation for the athletes.  

Moreover, the village has thoughtfully equipped some rooms with adjustable beds for athletes with severe disabilities. These accommodations have also been outfitted with a multitude of safety features, including multiple emergency call buttons, collision prevention strips, and rounded furniture.  

In contrast to the Asian Games, preparations for the Asian Para Games call for a more fluid approach. Zhang Bin, the deputy director of Huanglong Sports Center, one of the key venues for the tournament, highlighted the need to consider the specific requirements of sports for the disabled.

China's delegation to the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou is established in Beijing, China, October 11, 2023. /CFP

"The athletics equipment for the Asian Para Games is incredibly diverse and some of it requires special customization. The evaluation and calibration of the equipment are crucial tasks during the conversion period," observed Zhang. 

"Additionally, we have the responsibility of giving awards for about 25 athletics events every day. To accommodate this, we have added ramps on both sides of the podium to ensure accessibility. Furthermore, we have expanded the width and length of the podium to provide athletes with a comfortable space to receive their awards." 

In a recent announcement, hosts China unveiled their impressive roster of 439 athletes for the upcoming Games. This formidable team will participate in all 22 disciplines featured in the program, showcasing their versatility across a total of 397 events.