Wang Jianan at the awards platform of the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, Oct 24. [Photo/Shanxi Daily] 

Young athlete Wang Jianan from North China's Shanxi province clinched a precious silver medal at the women's -57kg J2 judo competition on Oct 24 during the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Hangzhou province. 

The 22-year-old from Wuxiang county suffers from congenital albinism. However, with her indomitable will and perseverance, Wang has grown into an outstanding visually impaired judoka. She managed to secure a silver medal in her first year of practicing judo during the National Games for Persons with Disabilities in 2021. 

"Practicing judo has brought me numerous changes and greatly improved my self-confidence," Wang said. She expressed her determination to strive for even greater achievements in the sport and to top the podium in the future. 

Blind judo is a specific discipline tailored for visually impaired athletes and serves as a highly competitive sport in the Paralympic Games. Participants are categorized into two levels, J1 (total blindness) and J2 (partial vision), based on the severity of their visual impairment. This sport is recognized as one of the most challenging athletic endeavors for disabled individuals.