China's Fujian Homologous basketball tournament promotes interregional ties

Editor's note: Chen Pingzhe and Liu Yubo are international journalism and communication students from Tsinghua University. The article, written on-site during the university's social practice fieldwork, reflects the authors' opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. 

Players representing the different regions in China – across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan – came together recently in Xiamen City in southeast China's Fujian Province, for the Fujian Homologous Cup basketball invitational tournament. 

The tournament started on July 26 at the Xiang'an Sports Exchange Center in the city. 

More than just a sporting event, the tournament offers a powerful platform for regional and cross-strait exchanges to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen emotional bonds and explore a shared cultural identity.

Shared stage for professionals and grassroot players

This year's cup has attracted 10 professional and grassroot teams.

Four teams in the "club group" were the Fujian Sturgeon Xunxing Basketball Club, Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards, Hongkong Hon Yau Basketball Team and Macau Hon Chon Sports Club.

Six teams in the "community group" represented Fujian, Hong Kong, Taiwan regions – as well as countries such as Madagascar and Malaysia – a mix of enthusiasts and amateur players from China and the world.

In the opening game, two of the tournament's top-tier contenders, Fujian Sturgeon Xunxing Basketball Club and Taoyuan Taiwan Beer Leopards, faced off in a highly anticipated matchup. The game featured star players such as CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) All-Star Chen Linjian and CUBA (Chinese University Basketball Association) finals MVP (most valuable player) Zou Yang, captivating fans with high-level competition and electric performances.

Fujian Sturgeons defeated the Taoyuan Leopards 100–69. 

During the match, Fujian's Li Yiyang delivered an impressive performance, knocking down multiple three-pointers and dishing out several brilliant assists.

On the Leopards' side, import player Smith "attacked the paint" and drove to the basket relentlessly and led the team in scoring, primarily through free throws.

From July 26 to July 30: all athletes will share the same court, competing and growing together.

Shared memories and shared passion

The Fujian Homologous Cup is fully open to the public, offering free access to all basketball fans and enriching their lives. 

The event promotes broad participation and aims to bring the sport closer to the community, especially those interested in regional and cross-strait cultural exchanges.

Before tip-off, Chinese basketball royalty – Wang Zhizhi (the first Chinese NBA player), four-time Olympian Zheng Haixia, former national-team captain Liu Yudong and Fujian icon Lyu Xiaoming – were introduced to a roaring audience. The hall, with free admission for all, turned into a sea of flashing phones as fans recorded the moment.

The cup highlights efforts to promote sports and cultural exchange across the Fujian, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions in China. It is part of a broader push to deepen regional ties through basketball. 

Organizers say the cup is designed to deepen mutual understanding among young people through the shared language of basketball.