Mongolia is known for its prowess in individual sports like boxing and wrestling, but it's rapidly developing a reputation in team sports including basketball. Our reporter Cao Bing visited a training session with the Mongolian women's three-on-three basketball team to uncover the secrets driving their success.
The Mongolian women's 3-on-3 basketball team was formed just a few years ago, but they've already made history, winning a silver medal at the 2013 Asia Cup, and becoming the nation's first team to qualify for the Olympics. This time, a squad of players under the age of twenty-three is competing at the Asian Games.
BOLORTSETSEG TSENDJAV, Player, Mongolian 3X3 Women's Basketball Team "I feel everyone is in good condition this time. I'd say that every team is going for the gold medal, and so are we."
ARIUNTSETSEG BAT-ERDENE, Player, Mongolian 3X3 Women's Basketball Team "I'm very excited, and nervous at the same time, to join such a big game for the first time. We've been preparing for this competition for a long time, and I believe we can overcome every challenge ahead."
CAO BING, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province "With the spotlight shining on women's basketball, Mongolia is showing the world its growing dedication to team sports."
UNDRAKH GANBOLD, Coach, Mongolian 3X3 Women's Basketball Team "Sometimes, the women basketball players have individual training or paired training, but our team focuses on teamwork. Three people train together and develop their team spirit."
After winning three matches in pool C, the squad are gearing up in training ready to meet Thailand in the quarterfinal. And the coach is clearly aiming high in Hangzhou.
UNDRAKH GANBOLD, Coach, Mongolian 3X3 Women's Basketball Team "We hope to get good results in the knockout rounds."
As Mongolian sport grows in stature, the players promise to give their all, fighting for the team, and their pride while putting team sports in the country firmly on the map. CB, CGTN, HZ, ZJ PROVINCE.