France has set its target to enter the top 10 on the medal table of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, running through to Sept 17.

According to the French Handisport Federation (FFH), the country has made great preparations for the Beijing Paralympics, and the delegation aimed to win some 60 medals to make the top 10 on the medal tally.

Making Paralympic debut in 1960 in Rome, France finished ninth among the 136 teams at the 2004 Athens Paralympics, with 18 golds, 26 silvers and 30 bronzes.

For the Beijing Paralympics, France sent 121 athletes, including 39 women, to compete in 13 sports.

France boasts of a number of medal hopefuls, especially in track and field and table tennis, the two most represented events, according to the FFH.

Besides, their athletes are also quite competitive in fencing, cycling, powerlifting, judo and swimming.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2008)