Five years ago at the 3rd Para Asian Games in Jakarta, Timor-Leste won its first gold medal from any major multi sports event with  Freitas Teofilo claiming victory in the men’s T37 400 metres.

This was Timor-Leste’s first gold medal at any of the Asian Games, Asian Para Games, Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Youth Asian Games or Youth Olympic Games.

In Dili on Thursday, eleven athletes from Para Team Timor-Leste were given their final well wish from Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Nelio Izac Sarmento as they prepare to depart for Hangzou China and the Para Asian Games on Sunday.

Timor-Leste Para Athletes have made strides in their preparation for this year’s Games, with training made possible year-round in a range of sports including weightlifting and table tennis with more targeted sports investment in recent years.

“The team are well prepared and while we are hopeful those who have achieved medals will do the same we will be proud for whatever result they get as people of Timor-Leste,” Minister  Sarmento said.

Several years ago, Timor-Leste’s government promised to increase funding for Timor-Leste’s para-athletes.

Acting President of National Paralympic Committee  Mateus Lucas said this year’s Para Asian Team were supported with $150,000, which covered preparation and travel to the Games in China, said Lucas.

The fourth Asian Para Games will be held from 22-28 October.