China's wheelchair curling team made a triumphant start at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games on March 5, securing a decisive 10-3 victory over Japan in the mixed doubles opener. The historic match marked the Paralympic debut of wheelchair curling mixed doubles, setting an energetic tone ahead of the official opening ceremony on March 7.
Wang Meng and Yang Jinqiao demonstrated exceptional strategy, scoring four points in the third end against reigning world champions Aki Ogawa and Yoji Nakajima. Their performance highlighted China's growing prominence in adaptive sports, with precise teamwork and tactical stone placement overwhelming their opponents.
Other opening-day matches saw Italy claim a 7-5 win against the Republic of Korea, while Estonia edged Britain 10-7. The United States also delivered a strong 11-6 victory over Latvia, showcasing the event's competitive global lineup.
This year's Paralympic Winter Games continue through March 15, with athletes from 48 countries and regions competing across six sports. The mixed doubles curling event remains a focal point for sports analysts and disability advocacy groups observing innovations in inclusive athletic programming.
