Li Hongyan recalls her mother carrying her to school after an accident damaged her legs when she was nine. Now that she’s at her first Paralympics, she knows how proud her mother must be. As one of the top Wheelchair (WH2) contenders in women’s singles, Li is thrilled with the attention Para badminton has received from the enthusiastic audience.

“I feel very honoured because I never thought I could become a Paralympic player,” Li said, after topping Group C beating Ilaria Renggli of Switzerland.” I feel touched that so many people have come to watch us play. I told myself I need to be at my best in front of this crowd.”

Her journey, she said, was in large part due to her mother, who was a pillar of support after the accident and continues to motivate her.

“I want to thank my mother. She thought that even though I was disabled, I had to study. She carried me to school every day. After the accident I rested for a year and then went back when I was 10.

“Before I came here I called her and said I was very nervous, but she said she’s proud of me and that she has such a talented daughter.”

Li has several accomplishments to her credit, including a silver at the 2022 Asian Para Games, but with her unbeaten teammate Liu Yu Tong in the same category, she has often finished second-best.

Despite falling often to Liu, Li has the highest admiration for her younger compatriot.

“Liu Yu Tong is my inspiration because she’s so strong mentally. The coach only needs to tell her once, and she can execute it, while for me, he has to tell us five or six times,” she said. “Off court, I’m older to her and I advice her, but on court, she’s like my senior and advices me. We’re both in the same class in Beijing Sports University.”

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