How an ordinary -basketball dream- meeting ignited -sports enthusiasm- in Linxia, Gansu
A few days ago, students from Sanyuan Elementary School in Dongxiang County, Gansu’s Linxia Prefecture, had the chance to meet their basketball idols at the local Benzigou Viewing Platform. The encounter, where they exchanged basketballs and shared skills, served as a significant step in passing down Linxia’s basketball dreams.
“In Linxia, basketball enthusiasts thrive. If we nurture the next generation well, the future of Linxia basketball is bright. It’s about passing down not just the skills but the spirit and sportsmanship of the game,” said one participant as a roughly one-minute video of the event circulated widely online, garnering numerous likes and shares. This video particularly resonated with local basketball fans, who eagerly inquired about local stars and sought to promote promising young players from their hometown.
What may appear to be a simple event—a passing of the basketball dream—has sparked substantial engagement among the Linxia community, highlighting their deep passion for the sport. In recent years, local basketball teams have achieved impressive results, winning championships in competitions like the inaugural Farmers’ Basketball Invitational for the nine provinces along the Yellow River, as well as performing well in the National Beautiful Countryside Basketball Tournament.
The roots of Linxia basketball can be traced back to 1936 when teams made up of workers, students, and merchants first competed against each other. This early activity laid the groundwork for a vibrant basketball culture that has developed over the years. In a recent interview, Wang Yanhui, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Linxia Sports Bureau, explained that the sport gained popularity in the community due to the influence of these early activities. Over decades, basketball has become a cherished pastime, passed down through generations.
Wang emphasized that regional cultural factors significantly contribute to the enthusiasm for basketball in Linxia. “Linxia is home to 42 ethnic groups, including the Han, Hui, Dongxiang, Baoan, and Salar. The blending of diverse cultures has given rise to a spirit of bravery, perseverance, and unity. Basketball, with its engaging and competitive nature, naturally resonates with our people,” he noted.
In recent years, Linxia has invested heavily in building basketball courts. With 1,090 administrative villages and 102 community-based villages now boasting facilities, access to these spaces has made it easier for residents to engage in the sport.
Whether in urban or rural settings, the people of Linxia utilize basketball to enrich their leisure time and alleviate the stresses of daily life. Along with government-funded public courts, privately owned basketball gyms have emerged across various counties, further enhancing the local basketball scene.
“These privately-operated facilities, flourishing in less economically developed areas with limited permanent populations, showcase the sport’s appeal,” Wang remarked. The proliferation of private gyms not only increases the availability of basketball courts but also provides better venues for high-level competitions and training, thereby fostering the growth of the sport.
A variety of frequent basketball tournaments in Linxia further open doors for public participation. Events such as the “Dongtai Cup” in Linxia City, the “Xingda Cup” in Guanghe County, and the “Classical Cup” in Yongjing County attract many fans, igniting excitement around basketball.
In recent years, major events like the Yellow River Basin Farmers’ Basketball Invitational have amplified basketball’s influence in the area. High-level competitions have not only raised the standard of play but have also drawn more attention and engagement from the community.
“My eight-year-old son watches local games live on his phone. He can name many players and has his favorite stars,” Wang shared, noting the emergence of local basketball talents. These homegrown players have gained significant recognition and inspire many to pursue the sport, setting strong examples for the younger generation.