Reflecting on Paris 2024: Para Table Tennis Most Unforgettable Moments Part 2
Written by I Dig SportsPatryk Chojnowskis Fourth Paralympics Singles Gold
Polands Patryk Chojnowski (pictured above) staged a stunning comeback in the Class 10 Mens Singles final, saving three match points against Chinas Lian Hao to secure his fourth consecutive Paralympic gold. Chojnowskis 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 Womens Singles, overcoming Turkeys Kubra Korkut in a thrilling 3-2 battle. Van Zons victory further solidified her legacy as one of Para table tennis greatest champions.
Japan Wins First-Ever Para Gold in Womens Singles
Natsuki Wada of Japan made history by winning her nations first-ever Paralympic gold in womens Para table tennis at Paris 2024. In the Class 11 Womens Singles final, Wada defeated defending champion Elena Prokofeva 3-1, securing Japans first Para table tennis gold medal since the 1992 Barcelona Games.
Italys Breakthrough Performance at Paris 2024
Italys 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 countrys long-term efforts to rebuild and strengthen its presence in Para table tennis.
Cubas First Paralympic Table Tennis Medal
Yunier Fernández delivered a historic moment for Cuba, winning the countrys first-ever Paralympic medal in table tennis with a gold in the Class 1 Mens Singles event. Fernándezs 3-0 victory over Great Britains 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
Nigerias Isau Ogunkunle made history by winning a bronze medal in the Class 4 Mens Singles, marking the countrys first singles medal in Para table tennis since the 2000 Sydney Games. His impressive performance, despite a semifinal loss to South Koreas Kim Young-Gun, brought pride to Nigeria and highlighted the growing prominence of African nations in Paralympic table tennis.
Mens and Womens Doubles Make a Triumphant Return to the Paralympic Stage
Mens and womens 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.
Thailands Rise from Underdogs to Powerhouse
One of the most remarkable stories of Paris 2024 was Thailands 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 nations 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 sports elite.