Chinese Women’s Basketball Team Prepares for Olympic Qualifying Tournament
The Chinese women’s basketball team is gearing up for the Olympic qualifying tournament, scheduled to be held from the 8th to the 11th of this month. The team is leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to secure a spot in the highly anticipated tournament. Xinhua News Agency reporters had the exclusive opportunity to speak with Chinese women’s basketball head coach Zheng Wei during the team’s training camp in Qingyuan, Guangdong.
Coach Zheng Wei emphasized the importance of being well-prepared for the qualifying tournament, expressing that there are no weak teams in the competition. She stressed that the team’s recent success, including a World Cup runner-up finish and victories at the Asian Cup and Asian Games, has been a result of their strong foundation and the responsibility to uphold the spirit of women’s basketball.
The head coach acknowledged the challenges the team has faced in the lead-up to the tournament. With varying degrees of injuries among team members and a tight schedule, the initial training faced obstacles. However, she remained optimistic and stressed the significance of adapting to the intensity of international competitions as quickly as possible.
The upcoming Olympic qualifying tournament will see the Chinese women’s basketball team compete against formidable opponents including France, Puerto Rico, and New Zealand. Coach Zheng Wei highlighted the different styles and characteristics of each team and emphasized the need for mental and physical preparation in order to perform at their best in the competition.
Additionally, Zheng Wei spoke about the pressure and expectations that come with the recent success of the team, stating that it is vital for the players and the coaching staff to remain grounded and strive for continuous improvement. She expressed confidence in the team’s ability to reach new heights and emphasized the importance of working towards becoming a truly world-class team.
Looking ahead, Coach Zheng Wei expressed optimism for the team’s future, stating that the year 2024 holds promising opportunities for the Chinese women’s basketball team. With aspirations to secure a spot in the upcoming Olympics and achieve better results, the team’s focus remains on continuous improvement and achieving greater success in international competitions.