Paralympic Table Tennis Duo Tian Xiaowen and Partner Secure Third Consecutive Title

CNA reporter Li Jianzhong, Taipei, May 25. Since starting her table tennis journey, Tian Xiaowen has known Istanda Shafei, who is 10 years her senior. The two quickly developed a strong rapport and teamed up again this year for the WD20 class at the 115th National Games for the Disabled, successfully winning gold for the third time in a row.

In an interview, Istanda Shafei praised Tian as a reliable teammate who not only returns shots but also strategically sets up plays for her partner. Tian attributed their success to mutual trust and constant communication during matches. "As the main player, I cannot afford mistakes. When I make errors, she encourages me and keeps me calm," Tian said. Istanda added with a laugh, "She used to be more impatient when she was younger, so I had to soothe her emotions."

Despite being a repeat championship pair, they played steadily. After a narrow five-set victory against Taipei's Yang Hui-e and Zhang Meiyu in the first match, their performance stabilized, and they ultimately won the gold with an undefeated record.

Tian is a national representative for the Paralympics and Asian Para Games, having won consecutive bronze medals in singles at the Paralympics and a silver in doubles with Lin Ziyu at the Paris Paralympics. Looking ahead to the Nagoya Asian Para Games in October, she said, "I have never won a gold medal in singles or doubles, so I hope to break through. I will adjust to my best condition before the games."