The 2024 Paralympics showcased inspiring athleticism, broke down stereotypes, and advanced inclusivity in sport. How will these achievements in wheelchair basketball at the Paralympics 2024 shape the future of adaptive sports worldwide?

Basketball is one of the most popular sports worldwide, but many people don’t know it is also played by athletes with physical disabilities. Today, wheelchair basketball is played in over 100 countries, with teams from countries like France, the USA, and Great Britain competing at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.

Wheelchair basketball was originally created to help injured soldiers recover and manage stress. Because these athletes used wheelchairs to move across the court, the sport became known as wheelchair basketball.

Since its inception as a Paralympic sport in 1960, wheelchair basketball has become one of the Games' most celebrated and competitive events. With roots in the 1940s as a therapeutic activity for injured WWII veterans, the sport has since evolved into an intense, high-stakes competition. 

It is now played in over 100 countries, bridging cultural divides and embodying the Paralympic Games’ mission of empowerment through sport. This year’s Games, held from August 28 to September 8 in Paris, France, continued this tradition, offering both men’s and women’s divisions a chance to compete for gold and showcase their skills on a global platform.

Sir Philip Craven, former president of the International Paralympic Committee and former wheelchair basketball player, shared, “Wheelchair basketball is more than a sport; it’s a platform for resilience and unity. Each game challenges perceptions and shows the power of determination.”

Overview and Success of the Paris 2024 Paralympics

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, held from August 28 to September 8, 2024, marked a historic first for France as it hosted the Summer Paralympics. The event featured approximately 4,400 athletes from 182 nations, competing in 549 medal events across 22 sports.

Key highlights:

• Medal standings: China led the medal table for the sixth consecutive Paralympics, securing 94 golds and 221 total medals.
   Great Britain followed with 49 golds, 44 silvers, and 31 bronzes, finishing second overall.
• Historic achievements: Zakia Khudadadi earned the Refugee Paralympic Team's first-ever medal with a bronze in Para Taekwondo. Additionally, Guillaume Junior Atangana became the first male refugee to medal at an Olympic or Paralympic Games, winning bronze in the men's 400m T11.
• Notable performances: British swimmer Poppy Maskill emerged as the nation's most decorated Paralympian of the Games, securing three golds and two silvers.
   South African athlete Mpumelelo Mhlongo achieved gold in the men's 100m T44 and bronze in the men's 200m T64, setting two world records in the process.

Organisational success:

The Games were lauded for their exceptional organisation and enthusiastic public support. Over 12 million tickets were sold, with 2.5 million for the Paralympic events, reflecting widespread engagement.

International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons described the Games as "the most spectacular ever," highlighting the quality of sport, venues, and the vibrant atmosphere created by the crowds.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics not only showcased remarkable athletic achievements but also emphasised inclusivity and the transformative power of sport on a global stage.

Historical context of wheelchair basketball

Wheelchair basketball originated as a form of rehabilitation and recreation for veterans who had sustained injuries during World War II. In the early 1940s, doctors and rehabilitation therapists in the United States began to see the benefits of physical activity for veterans with spinal cord injuries and other mobility challenges. Basketball, with its dynamic gameplay and adaptability, became an ideal sport for rehabilitation. The game not only helped patients regain physical strength but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and mental resilience among players.

The sport’s early development can be attributed to the efforts of veterans and medical professionals who wanted to provide a competitive yet therapeutic outlet for wounded soldiers. The first recorded games of wheelchair basketball took place in Veterans Administration hospitals across the United States. As players honed their skills, wheelchair basketball quickly grew in popularity, and teams began forming outside the hospitals, setting the groundwork for formal competitions.

By the late 1940s, the sport had expanded beyond the United States, reaching Europe, where it gained traction among both veterans and civilians with disabilities. The establishment of national leagues and international competitions soon followed, with the formation of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) in 1949 in the United States. This organisation played a crucial role in standardising rules and formalising the sport, making it accessible to a broader community.

The introduction of wheelchair basketball to the Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960 marked a significant milestone. As one of the first sports included in the Paralympics, wheelchair basketball helped to elevate the visibility of disability sports on a global stage. The Paralympics brought together players from various countries, showcasing the talent and competitive spirit of athletes with disabilities. Over the decades, wheelchair basketball has continued to evolve, gaining respect as a highly competitive sport and fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and inspiration worldwide.

Qualification process and participating teams

Wheelchair basketball is a prominent sport in the Paralympic Games, featuring both men's and women's tournaments. The qualification process for the Paris 2024 Paralympics was structured to ensure that the top teams from around the world earned their spots through regional and international competitions.

Qualification process:

The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) oversees the qualification procedures, which typically involve:

1. Regional championships: Teams compete in their respective regional championships, such as the European, Americas, Asia-Oceania, and African Championships. The top teams from these events secure direct qualification spots for the Paralympics.
2. World championships: Performance in the IWBF World Championships can also influence qualification, with top finishers earning Paralympic berths.
3. Repechage tournaments: For teams that did not qualify through regional events, the IWBF may organise repechage tournaments, offering a final opportunity to secure a place at the Paralympics.

Participating teams at Paris 2024:

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games featured eight men's and eight women's wheelchair basketball teams, reflecting the sport's competitive nature and global reach. The participating teams were the United States, Great Britain, Spain, and Australia, while the women’s divisions included the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, and China.

Tournament structure and rules

The wheelchair basketball tournament at Paris 2024 followed a structured format to maximise competition and strategic play. Both the men’s and women’s divisions began with a round-robin format, with teams divided into two groups of four. Each team played three matches within its group, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds. This format balanced intense competition with strategic depth, as teams had to plan their game tactics carefully to progress through each stage.

Key rules and features:

• Dribbling rule: Players must pass or dribble after every two pushes of their wheelchair to avoid a travelling violation, a unique rule that adds a layer of strategy and skill to the game.
• Classification system: Athletes are assigned a classification score between 1 and 4.5 based on their level of physical impairment. Each team’s on-court score cannot exceed 14, ensuring balanced play and inclusivity.
• Customised wheelchairs: Players use specially designed wheelchairs with rigid frames, anti-tip mechanisms, and angled wheels. These features allow for agility and speed, empowering athletes to perform complex manoeuvres and maintain stability during high-intensity plays.

Global impact and the future of wheelchair basketball at the Paralympics

The 2024 Paralympics highlighted wheelchair basketball’s role in promoting inclusivity and breaking stereotypes. The intense matches and inspiring performances of athletes with disabilities provided a platform to challenge societal perceptions, showcasing the athletic excellence and perseverance of these individuals. Beyond the tournament, the sport's increasing popularity is prompting the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) to broaden its outreach, particularly in developing countries where access to adaptive sports remains limited.

Advancements in wheelchair technology, funded by global partnerships, are enhancing the speed, agility, and stability of athletes on the court. Additionally, countries are increasingly supporting athlete training programs, and investing in adaptive sports to provide better access and facilities for athletes with disabilities. With these developments, wheelchair basketball is expected to reach even greater heights, both in terms of participation and competition.

Final thoughts

Wheelchair basketball at the 2024 Paralympics symbolised the power of sport to inspire change and celebrate resilience. From high-stakes games and strategic gameplay to personal stories of perseverance, the athletes and teams at Paris 2024 embodied the values of the Paralympic movement. The tournament’s success underscored wheelchair basketball’s universal appeal, proving that it is not just a sport but a global movement promoting inclusivity, empowerment, and athletic excellence.

Looking forward, the legacy of Paris 2024 sets a strong foundation for wheelchair basketball’s future. As the sport gains popularity and reaches new audiences, it will continue to inspire future generations and break down barriers, ultimately reshaping society’s understanding of disability and achievement in the world of sports.