The Chinese Basketball Association, led by its president Yao Ming, recently announced the illustrious inductees for its Hall of Fame – Class of 2023. The ceremony, held in Beijing, celebrated the country’s top basketball figures, including trailblazers from the past and the heroic 1992 Women’s National Team.
This year’s inductees include basketball icons such as Zhang Weiping and Kuang Lubin. Zhang Weiping, known for his dominance as the center/power forward, led the men’s national team to three consecutive titles in the FIBA Asia Championship from 1975 to 1979. Similarly, Kuang Lubin replicated this feat in the championships between 1979 and 1983. Alongside them, basketball pioneer Huang Boling was also enshrined, marking a recognition of their significant contributions to the sport in China.
The women’s basketball legends were not left behind. Players Li Shihua, Liu Qing, and Li Xin, alongside head coaches Chen Daohong and Liu Guiyi, were inducted for their remarkable achievements in the sport. Of particular note is the 1992 Women’s National Team, led by head coach Li Yaguang. This team, featuring stars like Zheng Haixia, Cong Xuedi, Liu Qing, and Li Xin, made history by securing a silver medal at the Barcelona Olympics – the best record for the Chinese women’s team to date.
Special tributes were paid to significant figures in Chinese basketball history. Liu Guiyi, who became captain of the men’s national team in 1953 and later its head coach in 1981, was celebrated for introducing the dynamic “run and gun” style of play to Chinese basketball.
Another highlight of the event was the homage paid to the 120th Division of the Eighth Route Army Basketball Team. Established in 1937, this team not only played basketball but also participated in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Their contribution went beyond sports, serving as an inspiration and morale booster for troops on the battlefield.
The Chinese Basketball Hall of Fame, established to honor the legacy of individuals who have significantly contributed to the sport in China, recognizes players, coaches, referees, and other key contributors. This year’s selection, focused on legends active from 1949 to 1974, aims to preserve their memories and inspire future generations.
The selection also serves an educational purpose, particularly for the current men’s basketball team, as they navigate through challenges in international competitions. By honoring past legends, the Chinese Basketball Association hopes to instill a sense of history and pride, reminding current players of the rich legacy they inherit and the potential they hold to shape the future of basketball in China.
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