CBA MVP Abdusalam: Ethnic sports are more connected with nature

The 2023-24 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Abdusalam Abdurexit of the Xinjiang Flying Tigers shared his thoughts on some of the featured events at the coming 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China with CGTN Sports Scene's Damion Jones.

This year's National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities will take place in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province and the opening ceremony will be on Friday night.

Some events, such as equestrian competitions, have already taken place in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China. Unlike traditional sporting events, the Games feature competitions rooted in the traditional customs of China's ethnic minorities.

"Actually, ethnic sports activities are quite natural, such as wrestling and horse riding," Abdusalam said. "I have personally participated in many of these activities, including wrestling. In my hometown of Altay, where the snow season is long, we often play football and wrestle in the snow. And this past summer, when I went on a road trip, I rode horses as well. I think these sports are more connected to nature, without the constraints of specific venues or rigid rules, which I believe is really great."