Paralympics 2024: Everything you need to know about wheelchair basketball

Wheelchair basketball is one of the most popular sports at the Paralympics, with over 100 countries participating.

Wheelchair basketball is set to be one of the most highly anticipated events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. With over 100 countries actively participating in the sport, teams like France, the USA, and Great Britain are expected to draw significant attention as they compete in this intense and fast-paced game.

Wheelchair basketball has its roots in the rehabilitation efforts following World War II. Initially designed to help wounded soldiers release stress, the sport quickly gained traction. The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) notes that the first wheelchair basketball game was played in 1945 between two hospitals in the United States.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) provides further historical context, stating: "Wheelchair basketball first emerged around 1946 in the USA, developed by injured servicemen from World War II. Most were former able-bodied players who wanted to continue playing the game. The simple adaptations and slight rule variations for people in wheelchairs allowed the sport to spread across the US, and eventually worldwide."

Wheelchair basketball made its debut at the Paralympic Games in 1960 in Rome, where it was one of eight sports featured. In that inaugural competition, the United States secured two gold medals, setting the stage for the sport's future growth.

Today, wheelchair basketball enjoys a global following, and its popularity continues to rise. The atmosphere at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024 is expected to be electric, with fans eagerly awaiting the action-packed matches.