For blind soccer players, courage is essential

"The first step is to encourage them to face fear, learn to run and then run with the ball," Wang said. He helps students feel the movement of his own body when passing the ball and shooting. He wants them to remember, and to imitate. A single movement may need to be practiced hundreds of times, he said.

Wang himself began to play soccer in 2005, as soccer for the visually impaired began to develop. He joined the national Chinese team, which won a silver medal at the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008. Later, at the Paralympic Games in London and Rio de Janeiro, the team finished fifth and fourth.

Soccer may seem an unlikely sport for a blind person. But for Wang the choice was easy. Recalling past glory, he said, "I could not have imagined what it might be like to play soccer, but when I set foot on the pitch I felt wonderful."

He added that unlike sighted people, visually impaired players cannot protect themselves quickly when struck or falling, so the sport is more dangerous to them. He said he never invited his parents to watch one of his contests. He didn't want them to worry.

"Sports opportunities for the blind are very limited," he said. "I hope to create some platforms to help them join in competitive sports and have more choices in life."