Following Suit With Paris Olympics an Unlikely Sport Added to the Paralympic Roster

Every four years the International Olympic Committee meets to decide which sports to include in Olympic or Paralympic games. The decisions are based on certain parameters like fair play, sportsmanship, widely acceptable, etc. After introducing unlikely sports in Paris Summer Olympics, they have decided to introduce a game in the coming Paralympic Winter Games.

The International Olympic Committee announced the introduction of Wheelchair mixed doubles curling at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Wheelchair curling has been part of the game since 2006. This new addition has been welcomed by the supporters of the game and will influence its spread to other countries.

Another game added to Paralympic Games

Wheelchair curling is a variation of the curling game that is played by disabled people. Mixed doubles wheelchair curling is a part of wheelchair curling in which two players play one male and one female. The news got hailed in every quarter of the curling game. According to CBC, the most happy one is the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Canada is the most successful nation in the games. Since the introduction of the four-person wheelchair team curling in the 2006 Paralympic Games, Canada has dominated the scene with three gold and two bronze medals.

Karen O’Neill, the CEO of the Canadian Paralympic Committee thinks this will boost his country’s strength. He views the prospect of the game on the rise in Canada. The pool of talent they have and the shift in coaching increase their chance to add medals to its tally. He further said, “I couldn’t be more excited about increased opportunity, especially mixed, to shine a further spotlight I think on one of Canada’s best-kept secrets around wheelchair curling“.

The decision was also welcomed by players who think that this shows the potential of the game. They think in wheelchair curling events apart from traditional participants new countries are also participating. Many of them have achieved podium finishes. The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will be held in Italy from 6-15 March at Cortina Olympic Stadium. With its inclusion, wheelchair curling sports will gain popularity and acceptability around the world.

Wheelchair Curling broadening its horizon

Wheelchair curling is played by athletes who have a disability in their lower limbs or gait. The game is played on thick ice called a sheet. The field parameters are 45.7 meters long and 5 meters wide.  The only difference this field has with other curling fields is the lines drawn for wheelchairs to adhere to. This sport is an opportunity for disabled people to compete at the highest level.

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The game is governed by World Curling Federation. The game has become increasingly popular in recent years. The world championship of wheelchair curling was held in 2018. The first world wheelchair mixed doubles championships were held in 2022.

The introduction of wheelchair-mixed doubles in the Paralympic Winter Games will provide an opportunity for the athletes of the game to compete at the highest level and win medals.

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