Patryk Chojnowski’s Fourth Paralympics Singles Gold
Poland’s Patryk Chojnowski (pictured above) staged a stunning comeback in the Class 10 Men’s Singles final, saving three match points against China’s Lian Hao to secure his fourth consecutive Paralympic gold. Chojnowski’s remarkable resilience in the face of defeat highlighted the intensity and drama of Paris 2024.
Kelly van Zon Secures Fourth Straight Paralympic Gold
In another unforgettable moment, Kelly van Zon of the Netherlands claimed her fourth consecutive gold medal in the Class 7 Women’s Singles, overcoming Turkey’s Kubra Korkut in a thrilling 3-2 battle. Van Zon’s victory further solidified her legacy as one of Para table tennis’ greatest champions.
Japan Wins First-Ever Para Gold in Women’s Singles
Natsuki Wada of Japan made history by winning her nation’s first-ever Paralympic gold in women’s Para table tennis at Paris 2024. In the Class 11 Women’s Singles final, Wada defeated defending champion Elena Prokofeva 3-1, securing Japan’s first Para table tennis gold medal since the 1992 Barcelona Games.
Italy’s Breakthrough Performance at Paris 2024
Italy’s Para table tennis team enjoyed its most successful Paralympic Games in over 50 years, capturing two golds and two bronze medals. This breakthrough performance marks a turning point for Italy, equalizing its medal haul from the 1992 Barcelona Games and showcasing the success of the country’s long-term efforts to rebuild and strengthen its presence in Para table tennis.
Cuba’s First Paralympic Table Tennis Medal
Yunier Fernández delivered a historic moment for Cuba, winning the country’s first-ever Paralympic medal in table tennis with a gold in the Class 1 Men’s Singles event. Fernández’s 3-0 victory over Great Britain’s Robert Davies capped off years of determination, making his gold medal one of the most significant achievements in Cuban Para sports.
Nigeria Wins First Singles Medal Since 2000
Nigeria’s Isau Ogunkunle made history by winning a bronze medal in the Class 4 Men’s Singles, marking the country’s first singles medal in Para table tennis since the 2000 Sydney Games. His impressive performance, despite a semifinal loss to South Korea’s Kim Young-Gun, brought pride to Nigeria and highlighted the growing prominence of African nations in Paralympic table tennis.
Men’s and Women’s Doubles Make a Triumphant Return to the Paralympic Stage
Men’s and women’s doubles made their debut at the inaugural Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960 and continued to be part of the program until the 1980 Arnhem Games, when they were replaced by team events. Although doubles events were incorporated into team competitions in subsequent years, Paris 2024 marked their return as standalone events after more than four decades. This reintroduction of doubles not only rekindles a cherished tradition but also brings a fresh dynamic to the Paralympic table tennis landscape.
Thailand’s Rise from Underdogs to Powerhouse
One of the most remarkable stories of Paris 2024 was Thailand’s stunning rise in Para table tennis. With nine medals (four silver and five bronze), the Thai team achieved its most successful Paralympic Games to date. This success reflects the nation’s strategic investments in the sport over the past decade, transforming Thailand into a dominant force in Para table tennis and solidifying its place among the sport’s elite.
