The Unwavering Spirit of Xinjiang Basketball: More Than Just a Game
In Xinjiang, the word “Lao dao” isn’t just a term; it’s a rallying cry, a testament to unwavering dedication and passion. This sentiment reverberates through the stands of the Xinjiang Men’s Basketball Team’s home arena, where thousands of fervent fans transform every CBA match day into a symphony of cheers.
“Xinjiang, work on the road!” “Saramu, work on the road!” “Zhao Rui, work on the road!”…
These chants, echoing throughout the stadium, are reserved for those things we hold dear, those pursuits that ignite our souls.
The energy is palpable even before the game begins. Half an hour before tip-off, the Xinjiang team returns to the court for warm-ups, greeted by a thunderous roar from the crowd. Fans gather above the player tunnel,eagerly awaiting the arrival of the “Flying Tiger Descending from Tianshan.”
Among them is 19-year-old Mose Thapa Tursun,his phone held high,recording the moment. He stretches out his hand, hoping for a high-five from his heroes. “Every weekend game, I’m here,” he says, having traveled over 150 kilometers from Shihezi University.
Before college, Mose’s opportunities to witness the game live were limited. His hometown, Tumushuk, is over 1,200 kilometers from Urumqi.Thankfully, live broadcasts bridged the distance, allowing him to follow every game, every play.
“The stadium erupts with ‘Lao Dao,’ the atmosphere is electric,” Mose explains, now a member of his university’s basketball team. He understands firsthand the power of collective effort, the synergy that fuels a team’s success.
For 50-year-old Ma Liqin, the love for basketball is a legacy passed down through generations. her father, a referee for local folk games, instilled in her a passion for the sport. After missing several games due to surgery, she’s back, her smile reflecting the joy of being reunited with her basketball family.
“Life can be tough, but watching basketball gives me hope, a sense of progress,” she says. This passion has now been passed on to her daughter’s family. Her grandson, still learning to speak, proudly wears Abdul saramu’s number 23 jersey, mimicking the cheers of his parents.
Fans are often called the “sixth man” on the court, their unwavering support a vital force. Recently, the Xinjiang team honored eight representatives, including Ma Liqin, with a “heart-to-hand” ceremony, gifting them hand models crafted by the players and coach, symbolizing the bond between team and fans.
CBA fans express their devotion in diverse ways. Some attend every home game, others organize fan gatherings, some become live commentators, some remain loyal viewers, and some even travel thousands of miles to support their team on the road.
In Urumqi, where winters are long and harsh, the CBA season, spanning from October to May, provides a welcome respite, enriching the cultural landscape. On countless snowy nights, fans from all walks of life converge at the Olympic Sports Center Basketball Stadium, a 10,000-seat arena that consistently boasts high attendance.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and vibrant, a stark contrast to the wintry conditions outside. Even those who can’t physically attend games contribute their own form of “Lao Dao” by diligently fulfilling their duties.
Su Saifei, a 31-year-old traffic police officer, rarely has time to watch games. But whenever the Xinjiang team plays at home, he and over 30 colleagues ensure the safe passage of fans to and from the stadium, a crucial role in the game day experience.”We arrive two and a half hours before the game and often don’t return home until midnight,” he explains. This dedication extends to other essential personnel, including fire rescue teams, doctors, and venue staff, who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of the event.
From Hongshan Stadium to the olympic Sports Center, the Xinjiang team’s home court may have changed, but the spirit of unity remains constant. As of this writing, the Xinjiang men’s basketball team has achieved an impressive 13 consecutive home wins this season, a testament to the unwavering support of their “sixth men.”
As the final buzzer sounds, signaling another Xinjiang victory, the hoarse but jubilant fans slowly disperse, their conversations filled with replays of key moments, missed shots, and clutch three-pointers.
The reporter, recalling his first year on the job coinciding with the xinjiang team’s championship win in the 2016-2017 season, is reminded of a seasoned photographer’s words: “You’re lucky, young man. you witnessed Xinjiang’s first championship in your first year. Look at me…”
This veteran photographer,despite his passion for capturing the game’s essence through his lens,could only express his support through the click of his shutter. After all, he wasn’t a basketball fan!
The chant of “Lao Dao” transcends mere victory. it’s a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in something bigger than oneself. This passion extends beyond the stadium, inspiring countless young people to embrace an active lifestyle, running through the urban and rural landscapes of Xinjiang.
The sound of “Lao Dao” echoes through the hearts of Xinjiang’s people, a reminder that the spirit of sportsmanship extends far beyond the basketball court.
As the CBA enters its 30th season, the league carries the hopes, dreams, and memories of its passionate fans. Across the country, unique chants like “Rise up,” “Good things,” and “Trouble with him” fill the arenas, reflecting the power of local pride and the desire to build a better future.
The Unyielding Spirit of Xinjiang Basketball: A Fan’s Perspective
The Xinjiang men’s Basketball team’s home games are not just sporting events; they are cultural phenomena. The fervor of the fans, exemplified by chants of “Lao dao” and deafening roars echoing through the stadium, transcends the boundaries of a typical sporting experience. This article dives deep into the heart of this passionate community, exploring the unique bond between the team and its unwavering supporters.
The dedication of fans like 19-year-old Mose Thapa Tursun, who travels over 150 kilometers every weekend to cheer for his heroes, highlights the lengths to which Xinjiang basketball fans will go to support their team. This dedication is not solely limited to those who can physically attend the games. For individuals like Mose, who grew up in Tumushuk, over 1,200 kilometers from Urumqi, live broadcasts became a lifeline, allowing them to stay connected and experience the electric atmosphere remotely.
The story of Ma Liqin, a 50-year-old woman whose love for the game was inherited from her father, paints another facet of this intricate bond. While her current limitations prevent her from attending every game, her connection to the team, passed down through generations, remains strong. Witnessing her grandson proudly donning Abdul Saramu’s jersey truly exemplifies the enduring legacy of Xinjiang basketball.
The “heart-to-hand” ceremony
The recent “heart-to-hand” ceremony, where the team honored eight dedicated fans, including Ma Liqin, with hand models crafted by the players and coach, beautifully symbolizes the reciprocal relationship between the team and its supporters. It acknowledges the fans’ vital role as the ”sixth man,” recognizing their unwavering support as a driving force for the team’s success.
The article acknowledges the diverse expressions of fandom – from die-hard attendees and keen commentators to remote viewers and even those who travel vast distances to support their team on the road. This highlights the widespread and multifaceted nature of the Xinjiang basketball community, further solidifying its meaning within the region.
The article effectively captures the electrifying
energy of Xinjiang basketball games, showcasing the unwavering spirit, passion, and deep-rooted sense of community that elevates it beyond just a sport. through the personal accounts of devoted fans like Mose and Ma Liqin, the article successfully elucidates the truly special bond between the team and its supporters.
