TOKYO, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- On August 25, the Tokyo Paralympic Wheelchair Fencing Competition kicked off at the Makuhari International Convention and Exhibition Center in Chiba Prefecture, where China's Li Hao defeated Ukraine's Manko 15:12 in the men's sabre individual A-class final to win the first gold medal of the Tokyo Paralympic Games for the Chinese sports delegation.
On August 25, Li Hao was at the award ceremony. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xiong Qi
Facing an opponent who is two places higher than himself in the world ranking, Li Hao made a good start of 3:1 in the final. But then the opponent scored six consecutive points to overtake the score. The two then scored one point each, with Li Hao trailing 4:8. After mental and tactical adjustments, Li Hao chased the score to 10:8 consecutively, and maintained the lead in the final few sword battles, and finally won the championship in his Paralympic debut.
Talking about the ups and downs of leading, falling behind and overtaking in the game, Li Hao said that he still played a little aggressively, a little bit of a tendon, and always desperately rushed forward. When the coach told him to slow down and master the rhythm, he recovered the score.
When asked by the reporter about his feelings about winning the first gold for China, Li Hao said that he "did not expect it at all." "No expectations. I said before that I could get into the top four and get a card, and I felt that I did not live up to this trip. "In fact, I still have many deficiencies, and I need to make up for my shortcomings." Winning the game this time is not because of how good my skills are, but because I dare to fight. Participating in the Paralympic Games for the first time is not a burden and not much pressure. ”
In the previous semi-finals, Li Hao defeated teammate Tian Jianquan, who participated in the Paralympic Games for the fourth time, 15:12. Facing Tian Jianquan, who is both a teammate and a senior, Li Hao's first victory over the other side was on the highest stage of the Paralympic Games.
Li Hao (left) celebrates after winning on August 25. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xiong Qi
"This time, maybe the burden in his heart is a little bigger, and I am lightly packed, and there is not much baggage." Li Hao said, "I feel that his state today is a bit down, I just dare to fight today to be myself, and then win the game." He is my beacon, guiding me in the direction of fencing. ”
Next, Li Hao will compete in the men's foil individual A class and men's foil team competition on the 28th and 29th respectively. 'I want to bring that form to every game that follows. Li Hao said.
Source: Xinhua News Agency