Sheng Yuhong, coach of China's women's sitting volleyball team. [Photo/WeChat account: dream8086]

China's women's sitting volleyball team will be competing at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games under the guidance of coach Sheng Yuhong from Rudong county, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province.

The Chinese team will be pitted against the US team and the team from the Russian Paralympic Committee – its main opponents. The group stages start on Aug 28, featuring eight teams in Group A and B. The 2020 Paralympic Games will run through Sept 5.

"Although there are no absolutes in life, we will still do our best to fight for every opportunity. I hope the spirit of the women's volleyball team can continue in us!" said Sheng in an interview before the competition. It's her fifth time taking part in the Paralympic Games.

Sheng, 51, was born in Donganzha village, Dayu town, Rudong. She was once an able-bodied volleyball player on the national youth team. After being injured, she switched to sitting volleyball and was required to build a team for Jiangsu province in 2002.

In 2003, Sheng was recruited into the Chinese women's sitting volleyball team and given a "double role" – as coach and main attacker. The next year she scored a total of 143 points in six games at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games and ranked first on all teams. She was named one of the "Top 10 Paralympic Legends".

The team successfully defended its title in 2008 and 2012 with her help.