Chinese granny's passion for basketball

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01:55

An eighty-four-year-old basketball fan in China has once again proved that it is never too late to try a new thing. The story of the granny's life can be an inspiration for sports fans of all ages.

Zhang Shuqin says basketball is her biggest hobby and watching a basketball game is more enjoyable than eating a plate of delicious dumplings.

Zhang is a big fan of the northeastern Liaoning basketball team. Despite her age, she can clearly identify all members in the team, including their jersey numbers. "My favorite player is NO.13, Guo Ailun!" she says.

Zhang became interested in the sport 20 years ago thanks to her husband. After her husband passed away nine years ago, basketball has become her closest companion ever since. Zhang says she feels happy on basketball competition days and she enjoys watching games.

Basketball also changed Zhang's attitude towards life. She says watching basketball matches not only makes her feel energetic and inspired, but also happy and healthy.

As the granny had long dreamed going to watch a basketball game on spot, her favorite Liaoning team has made it come true. Zhang even got a chance to talk to her favorite player, Guo Ailun.

Guo hopes there will be more people to care about senior citizens and basketball can bring happiness to them.

Zhang's enthusiasm about basketball has influenced people around her. They say watching basketball matches has added more color to their routine life.