Basketball enthusiasts from as far away as Australia and France
descended on the famous tourist city of Guilin in South China's
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region last weekend for a tournament with
a difference.
The players, all overseas Chinese, competed against each other
and domestic players at the Fourth Beijing Basketball Game for
Chinese of the World, which was initiated by the Beijing Sports
Bureau in 2004 but moved to Guilin this year.
As part of the Chinese Amateur Basketball Open (CBO), more than
1,000 people of Chinese origin from 12 countries and regions joined
the tournament.
"In terms of competitiveness and athleticism, the tournament is
not as spectacular as some other big tournaments, not to mention
the world championships. But I didn't expect so many teams and so
many local fans to join the event," said Zhang Faqiang, vice
chairman of Chinese Olympic Committee and president of China
Basketball Association.
A record 68 teams took part in different age groups, including
eight in the over 65's group.
"It's a sporting platform for all Chinese around the world of
all ages. I was really amazed by their passion and energy at that
age," said Zhang
"The tournament has also become an important part of the
National Fitness and the Beijing Olympics campaign, which includes
a large number of sports-related activities this year."
Yang Qiang, an Indonesian-Chinese who has participated in all
four events and witnessed the growing popularity of the
competition, said it was a great way to meet new people.
"By joining the tournament, I have made a lot of friends and
also had the chance to know more of the rapid development of the
motherland. Great changes are taking place every year, " said
Yang.
"I hope I will come again next year."
Next year's tournament will return to host city Beijing and is
expected to draw even more overseas Chinese basketball
enthusiasts.
China's interest in basketball has soared in recent years,
especially after Chinese superstar Yao Ming joined the NBA's
Houston Rockets in 2002 and China won a record-equalling eighth
place at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
The influence of Chinese basketball keeps rising as another
young sensation Yi Jianlian, is tipped to be a top five pick in the
new season's draft later this month.
With the sport gaining popularity and expectations of the
national basketball team at 2008 Olympics getting higher, various
amateur events like the one in Guilin are joining the CBO - a
year-long and nationwide tournament that encourages amateur
participation.
(China Daily June 6, 2007)