MILAN - China defeated the Czech Republic 3-2 to claim bronze in para ice hockey at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics here on Sunday.

The two teams battled closely from the outset. The Czech Republic opened the scoring with two goals, but Tian Jintao and Wang Zhidong quickly brought China back on level terms within six minutes.

In the second period, China intensified its attack but did not score, while the Czech Republic also failed to find the net.

Tian scored his second just 18 seconds into the final period with an assist from Shen Yifeng. China then controlled the tempo better, forcing the Czech Republic to pull their goalie and add an extra attacker in the last two minutes.

However, China successfully maintained the lead until the final second to secure the medal.

"Seeing the national flag raised in a foreign land is such a moment of pride for me," said Tian after the game. He added that, as a forward, pulling off such a comeback felt amazing. "Just one word: awesome."

"It is an incredible bronze for us," added Wang. "For three years in a row at the World Championships, we finished in fourth place. So coming into the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, we really wanted to change that."

Qiu Dianpeng, who was injured in the semifinals and did not play in the final, cheered the team on from the bench. "We were on the ice carrying his spirit, giving it our all. And together with him, we won this victory," said Wang.