In the Beijing Paralympics, some traditional classifications based on categories of disability were merged. As a result, there were 10 percent fewer gold medals being awarded this time compared to four years ago in Athens.
The purpose of the consolidation of some classifications was to raise the value of the medals by reducing cases in which medals are competed for among only a few athletes.
Proportionate to the higher performance levels, some athletes competed in the swimming and table tennis events in both the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.
Figuratively speaking, the mountain grows bigger as the pinnacle rises higher, and doping has emerged as one of the negative consequences. However, we believe the Paralympic Games themselves are going in the right direction.
There are challenges, of course. Athletes are required to spend more time training and shoulder more financial burdens to participate in the Games.
But in Japan, only a handful of athletes have corporate or other sponsors that enable them to train full time for events for the physically disabled. The gap between the fortunate ones and those who are not ought to be narrowed, even if it may not be as narrow as with Olympic athletes.
Since four years ago, both the Olympics and the Paralympics have been under the management of the same organizing committee. It is time for Japan, too, to consider both as a package and treat them accordingly.
The Beijing Paralympics ended on Wednesday. We should think of the future of sports for people with disabilities.
