A true icon of Chinese basketball for more than 20 years, Yao Ming has decided to resign from his position as president of the federation. Reason given: sporting results below expectations.
Since Yao Ming took office seven years ago now, Chinese basketball has not really shone on the international scene. Quite the contrary.
24th at the 2019 World Cup which took place at home, 29th in 2023, no participation in the Olympic Games (absent in 2020 and 2024), and only 5th and 8th at the FIBA Asia Cup that China was used to to win. Only success since 2017: a first place at the Asian Games in 2018, followed by a bronze medal four years later.
This record is far too low in the eyes of Yao Ming, who therefore decided to leave his post as president of the Chinese basketball federation according to Xinhua Sports.
Yao Ming has stepped down as president of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and vice chairman Guo Zhenming was appointed the new chief. pic.twitter.com/iWHxKpJ3Gq
— Xinhua Sports (@XHSports) October 31, 2024
Yao Ming speaks of “a personal decision”, but assures that he will continue to “support Chinese basketball in the future”. From now on, the position of president will be occupied by Guo Zhenming.
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Text source: Xinhua Sports
