KUNMING, Southwest China, May 18 (Xinhua) -- New faces are badly needed for the Chinese table tennis team for the disabled when they face the rivals at the international arena, said coach Heng Xin at the ongoing 7th National Games for the Disabled here on Friday.

"It's our responsibility as coaches at grass roots to bring up new talents for the national team," said Heng, who led his nine disabled paddlers at the games. "Against strong challengers overseas, we can’t rely only on the veteran players, but the new faces as well."

China has established its supremacy in the world since the table tennis world championships for the disabled in 2002, said coach Heng, adding that European players, with those from France, Sweden and Spain in particular, are making rapid progress during the years, South Korea is very strong in wheelchair events while Chinese Taipei athletes also boast of experiences and skills.

"We are glad to see many new faces in the national table tennis championships for the disabled last year, and in the ongoing National Games for the Disabled," said Heng, "Every team fields debutants this time with the same mission to provide new blood for the Beijing Paralympics."

Coach Heng has been training his nine paddlers since 2000. "Seven years have passed, many of them have won the gold medals either in the world championships or in the Paralympics. And some of them have been recruited into the national team."

"Upon them, I have devoted all my efforts, and through them, I've seen the healthy trend of the Chinese table tennis for the disabled," said Heng.

Referee Zhang Ziyou said that "there is a clear increase of number of players for the TT1-5 wheelchair events, and many young players have displayed skills during the games" as a healthier environment has been ensured by the government for the disabled athletes nationwide.

Cao Ningning, 20, a member of the Chinese national team, said that "my life has been changed a lot since I took up the sport eight years ago. I no longer feel inferior and unfair of life. From the sport, I become healthier and stronger in physical conditions and I can even improve on my poor living conditions with bonus from the international meets."

"Playing table tennis becomes everything of my life," said Cao, also a member of Jiangsu provincial team at the Games.

As a rehearsal for the Paralympics, many coaches at the National Games admitted that more things are needed to be addressed, like the scientific systematic training of athletes, a team of experienced coaches, an exchange program between China and other countries and regions, and a hopeful arrangement for the athletes after their retirement.