Dutch Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team Shines at Paris Games

The Dutch women’s wheelchair basketball team, known as the Dutch Angels, has established itself as a dominant force in the sport, arriving at the Paris Games as the favorite for the gold medal. Their impressive track record includes seven consecutive international tournament victories since 2017, which encompasses four European titles, two world championships, and a Paralympic gold medal from the Tokyo Games in 2021. This legacy has set high expectations for their performance in the current competition. In the quarterfinals, the team faced Spain, a rising competitor in European wheelchair basketball. Despite Spain's efforts, they ultimately lost 61-43, with their coach acknowledging the challenge posed by the Dutch team. The Dutch Angels have consistently showcased their skill, averaging a 24-point margin of victory in their first four games at the Paris Games, although this figure was influenced by a particularly lopsided 53-point win against Japan. The competition has been fierce, with other teams like the United States and Germany also experiencing tough matches against the Dutch. Players from these teams have expressed admiration for the Dutch's physicality and speed, recognizing the challenge of competing against such a well-established team. The German team, despite their loss, remained optimistic about their future matches. As the Dutch team prepares to face Canada in the semifinals, their reputation as a para sports dynasty continues to grow. The upcoming match will be crucial in determining whether they can maintain their winning streak and secure another gold medal at the Paralympic Games.