The table tennis event of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games opened at Guangzhou Vocational and Technical College of Sports in Tianhe on Dec 5.

The 318 athletes from 31 teams nationwide are competing in multiple categories, including physical disability (wheelchair/standing), hearing, and visual impairment.

The table tennis event for the visually impaired is set up at the Special Games for the first time. [Photo/Nanfang Plus]

The venue has added barrier-free lifts, elevators, accessible toilets, showers, and athlete passages, with wheelchair viewing seats ready. As visually impaired athletes judge the ball path by the sound, the event is spectator-free, only allowing athletes, referees, coaches, and volunteers on-site to avoid interference. Additionally, sign language interpreters and translation robots are available to assist athletes who require them.

Before the competition starts, Tu Feng and his teammates stand outside the venue, listening to the sound of the balls. [Photo/Nanfang Plus]

Jiangxi athlete Tu Feng, who is blind and has been playing table tennis since 2018, said: "Though non-contact and gentle, it's highly technical. Every ball is precious, requiring careful thought before serving."