On October 1st, the 2024 “Basketball Glows with Youth in Celebration of National Day” college basketball invitational kicked off at Qinggang Sports Park in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province. This three-day event features teams from seven prestigious universities, including Tsinghua University, Xian Jiao Tong University, Huaqiao University, South China University of Technology, Shenzhen University, Shanxi University, and Ningbo University, all set to compete against the champions of both the National Village BA and the Guangdong Province Village BA—the Zhongshan Shaxi basketball team.
At the opening ceremony, each university team made a grand entrance in their distinctive uniforms, showcasing their athletic spirit and dedication. The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering enthusiastically and waving banners to support their favorite teams.
The ceremony also highlighted the much-anticipated championship prizes, including the coveted “Champion Throne” and the “Champion Ding.” The throne, crafted from exquisite rosewood sourced from a rare species in central-western Java, Indonesia, represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Known for its high quality, this wood is considered a premium choice within Chinese hardwood standards. The throne’s design echoes the traditional scroll throne, reflecting a rich cultural heritage while symbolizing respect for knowledge and an unwavering pursuit of success. It is further adorned with intricate carvings of welcoming pine trees, extending a warm invitation to friends and guests alike. The Champion Ding, made from aromatic rosewood and named “Integrity Ding,” embodies the traditional Chinese virtues of honesty and trustworthiness.
A spokesperson from the local government shared that this basketball invitational aims to infuse vibrant energy into Zhongshan, highlighting the dynamic fusion of youth and basketball and serving as a catalyst for advancing rural civilization.
As the opening ceremony concluded, excitement mounted as the Tsinghua University basketball team took to the court to face off against the Zhongshan Shaxi basketball team in a thrilling inaugural match.
