Gong rings the changes

Taking charge of China's women's basketball team again after 20 years, Gong Luming is clearly aware of the challenges that lie ahead. After a lackluster ninth-place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the team is targeting the defense of its title at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Shenzhen, Guangdong province next month.

A win will not be taken for granted, as the team is in the midst of a generational shift ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the Asia Cup will take place only three months after the new-look team has taken shape. But Gong is not going down without a fight.

"Winning the title is our only goal in Asia," the 67-year-old told Xinhua. "We will take every game and the whole process seriously. Hopefully, our players can carry forward the fighting spirit of the Chinese women's basketball team, and strive to showcase their level in every game."