Promoting Inclusivity and Excellence: Wheelchair Rugby Highlighted in China Ahead of TWG 2025
From 23 to 27 December 2024, the Wansheng Indoor Stadium in Chongqing Municipality hosted the Wheelchair Rugby Promotion Event. Six representative teams from Shandong Province, Guangdong Province , Guangxi Province, Shaanxi Province, Chinese Taipei, and Chongqing participated, bringing together 42 coaches and athletes for technical training sessions and friendly matches.
This initiative was a significant component of the promotional activities for The World Games (TWG) 2025 in Chengdu. The event featured expert-led sessions by renowned lecturers, referees, and coaches, providing in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical guidance on the sport. These efforts aimed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the rules, techniques, and strategies of Wheelchair Rugby, fostering the sport's growth and development in China.
On 26 December, the event transitioned into the competitive phase, where participating teams demonstrated their skills and strategies in exchange matches. Athletes showcased their dedication and teamwork, competing fiercely to score points through passing, dribbling, throwing, and executing strategic collisions.
Wheelchair Rugby blends elements from Rugby, Basketball, and Handball, creating an intense, high-energy sport. Each match featured four athletes per team, with players classified into seven levels (0.5 to 3.5 points) based on their abilities in ball control, wheelchair mobility, trunk stability, positioning, and overall performance. To ensure fair play, players were restricted to wheelchair contact only, with physical body contact prohibited.
This event not only highlighted the thrilling competitiveness and entertainment value of Wheelchair Rugby but also emphasized its inclusive and adaptive nature. As we look forward to TWG 2025, the anticipation for Wheelchair Rugby events continues to grow.
Edited by Zhang Hang