At China's 12th National Paralympic Games in Shenzhen, two provinces stood atop the podium in 3×3 wheelchair basketball: Guangdong in the women's bracket and Liaoning in the men's.
In the women's final, reigning powerhouse Guangdong faced Beijing in a rematch of their overtime group–stage thriller. Both teams entered with impressive records: Guangdong unbeaten at 6–0, Beijing with just one loss from that earlier face-off. From tip-off, Guangdong asserted control—Lyu Caiying and Zuo Peixi orchestrated fluid pick-and-rolls, while Li Mei dominated the paint with her height advantage. By midway, Guangdong led 6–3 and never looked back, distancing Beijing to seal an 11–7 victory. Zou Peixi finished with a game-high eight points, capping Guangdong's gold-medal run.
On the men's side, Liaoning powered through the knockout rounds and overcame a deep field to clinch gold, showcasing the depth of talent emerging from the provinces.
3×3 wheelchair basketball, with its fast pace and intense half-court battles, has surged in popularity across the Chinese mainland and beyond. Its shorter format—10-minute games or first to 21 points—rewards quick decision-making, precise passing and adaptive training techniques. Provinces like Guangdong and Liaoning are investing in specialized sports wheelchairs, advanced coaching analytics and inclusive grassroots programs to grow the sport.
As the curtain falls on Shenzhen, these victories highlight a broader trend: the rise of adaptive sports and the role of technology in leveling the playing field. With 3×3 wheelchair basketball set to debut at the next Paralympic cycle, all eyes will be on how these provincial champions translate regional success onto the global stage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
