The opening ceremony of the 2026 World ParaVolley (WPV) Sitting Volleyball World Championships. [Photo/CCTV]

The 2026 World ParaVolley (WPV) Sitting Volleyball World Championships opened on July 9 in Linping district, Hangzhou, marking the first time the tournament has been held in the Asia-Oceania region.

Held from July 10 to 17, the championships feature 32 teams and 364 athletes from 22 countries and regions, including China, Iran, the United States, Brazil and Germany.

As the sport's highest-level global competition and a key qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games, the tournament offers qualification spots to the top two men's and women's teams.

Dancers and athletes perform at the opening ceremony. [Photo/CCTV]