In a groundbreaking moment for Japan, Natsuki Wada defeated defending champion Elena Prokofeva (NPA) 3-1 (8-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-4) in the Class 11 Women’s Singles final at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This victory not only marks Wada’s first Paralympic title in her Paralympic debut but also brings home Japan’s first-ever Paralympic gold medal in women’s Para table tennis and its first Paralympic gold medal in Para table tennis since the Barcelona 1992 Games.
“I am very happy that nobody else did this before. I am the type of person to win. I hate to lose. It is my character. Now I want to go higher in the world rankings.”
Wada’s journey to this historic moment is nothing short of remarkable. She began playing table tennis in 2019 as a way to lose weight and quickly transitioned into competitive play, where her talent and determination propelled her to the top. In just five years, Wada has gone from a casual player to a Paralympic champion. She gained international attention in 2022, when she won the gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, setting the stage for her incredible run in Paris.
The final against Prokofeva was a tense battle between the reigning champion and the rising star. Prokofeva, the gold medallist from Tokyo 2020, took the first set 11-8, putting Wada on the back foot early. However, the Japanese player quickly found her rhythm, storming back to win the next three sets (11-8, 11-4, 11-4). Wada’s aggressive style countered Prokofeva’s defensive time and Prokofeva was unable to regain her momentum after the first game, allowing Wada to secure her historic victory.
Wada’s path to the gold medal was not without its challenges. In the semifinals, she faced Turkey’s Ebru Acer, the current World No.1, in a thrilling five-set match. Wada narrowly emerged victorious with a 3-2 win, showcasing her resilience and ability to perform under pressure. That hard-fought victory paved the way for her gold medal match, where she confidently dethroned the reigning champion.
Wada’s victory is a monumental achievement for Japan. Not only does it end the nation’s 32-year gold medal drought in the Paralympic table tennis, but it also elevates Wada as a new national hero in para sports. Her rapid rise in the sport, from a late start in 2019 to a Paralympic champion, serves as an inspiration for athletes around the world.
In the Class 11 men’s singles, Korea Republic’s Kim Gi Tae secured his first Paralympic gold at Paris 2024, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Chen Po Yen in a thrilling match that captivated the audience and claiming Korea Republic’s first gold medal in the table tennis at Paris 2024. The game featured intense rallies, including a standout 24-stroke exchange, keeping the Parisian crowd on the edge of their seats. Kim, competing in his third Paralympic Games, finally achieved the gold medal that had eluded him in previous attempts.
This victory adds to Kim’s impressive record, which already includes a singles title at the 2022 World Para Table Tennis Championships and multiple golds from the Asian Para Games and Championships. For Kim, this Paralympic gold is a career-defining moment, marking the pinnacle of his achievements and solidifying his position as one of the top players in the sport.
“I am very happy. This medal is because I stayed strong. I think that CHEN is a better player than me, but he got a bit too nervous. It was a good match.”
