Criticism is growing in China over the Chinese men’s basketball team losing to the Philippines and failing to advance to the finals. The Chinese men’s basketball team suddenly canceled its scheduled press conference, but eventually appeared at the press conference due to a barrage of protests.
According to local media such as Global Network and CCTV on the 5th, the Chinese men’s basketball team lost 76 to 77 in the men’s basketball semifinal against the Philippines the previous day, failing to advance to the finals.
Chinese men’s basketball is one of the most popular professional sports in China and has won several championships in the past, including the Asian Games and Asian Cup, but has not been able to achieve remarkable results recently.
The Chinese men’s basketball team showed an early advantage over the Philippines, leading by about 20 points at one point in the second quarter. However, they were defeated with 23.3 seconds left in the game.
The men’s basketball team, which lost the game, suddenly canceled the press conference scheduled after the game. The basketball team that lost to the Philippines had already left the stadium.
However, the resumption of the press conference was announced only after receiving protests from many local media outlets already waiting at the scene, and the press conference was held only 30 minutes later. A press conference was held, but the simultaneous interpreter on site had already returned to the athletes’ village, so a volunteer interpreted. Due to lack of proper interpretation, an incident occurred where a basketball reporter from CCTV in China interpreted the coach’s words.
Djordjevic, head coach of the men’s basketball team, said, “If I had scored the last goal, the result of the game would have been completely different,” and “I take full responsibility.”
Captain Zhao Jiwei said, “When there were many problems in the second half of the game, such as not being able to concentrate enough and the attack being rushed, the opponent took the opportunity. I apologize once again.”
‘Basketball hero’ Yao Ming, president of the Chinese Basketball Association, who arrived late at the press conference, also said, “I was unable to attend the press conference because I left in a hurry after the game, but I have responsibility as a leader.”
The shock of the men’s basketball loss continued online. A famous Chinese soccer critic said, “Chinese men’s basketball and men’s soccer are like good brothers. “It seems like a competition to see who is more frustrating,” he criticized.
In addition, on SNS, “They may have lost the game, but their attitude toward the last game seemed like they did not work hard,” “It was different from the Uzbek players not giving up until the end in the soccer game between Korea and Uzbekistan that was held at a similar time,” and “The men’s basketball world There were harsh criticisms such as “We must also conduct an anti-corruption investigation” and “Not only basketball and soccer, but also men’s volleyball lost 0-3.”
(Beijing = News 1)
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.