A New Chapter in History! China’s Zhao Shuai and Mao Jingdian have etched their names into the Para table tennis record books by winning the first-ever Paralympic Mixed Doubles title. This dynamic duo dominated the competition, convincingly claiming the prestigious gold medal by defeating fellow Chinese players Peng Weinan and Xiong Guiyan in straight sets, 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-8), in the Class 17 Mixed Doubles final.

“We are very happy to win the gold medal. Mixed doubles is also a new event in this Olympics. We support each other in this Olympics, especially emotionally. This gold medal also proves that our efforts are not in vain.” Zhao and Mao

The journey to gold wasn’t without its challenges. Earlier in the day, Zhao and Mao faced a tough semi-final against Ukraine’s Viktor Didukh and Iryna Shunkarova, finding themselves down 2-0. However, they mounted a thrilling comeback, clawing their way back to win the match in a nail-biting fifth game, 12-10, securing their place in the final.

Poland’s Piotr Grudzien and Karolina Pek, along with Ukraine’s Viktor Didukh and Iryna Shunkarova, earned bronze medals in the Class 17 Mixed Doubles, marking their own significant achievements.

While men’s and women’s doubles made their return after a 38-year break, Paris 2024 has introduced the exciting debut of mixed doubles in the Paralympics.

This new addition builds on the success of the Mixed Team World Cup and aligns with the ITTF’s mission to champion gender equality, diversity, and the collaborative spirit of teamwork in table tennis. The inclusion of Mixed Doubles not only redefines the Paralympic table tennis landscape but also provides a fresh platform to showcase the incredible skill and partnership of athletes.