Yao Ming, the iconic former Houston Rockets All-Star, has officially stepped down from his position as president of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). The announcement came on Thursday, revealing that Vice President Guo Zhenming will take over as the new chief of the association.
Yao Ming first took the helm of the CBA in February 2017 and was later elected as the chairman of the board of CBA Company. His leadership extended into December 2022 when he was re-elected, marking a tenure of over seven years that has seen both significant achievements and notable challenges for Chinese basketball.
Under Yao's guidance, the women's national basketball team flourished, securing gold medals at two consecutive Asian Games held in Jakarta and Hangzhou. Additionally, the team achieved its best result at the FIBA Women's World Cup by finishing as runners-up in 2022. These successes have elevated the profile of women's basketball in the region.
However, the men's national team faced a tougher road during Yao's presidency. The team struggled to qualify for both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics and fell short of advancing to the top 16 in the FIBA World Cup in both 2019 and 2023. These setbacks highlighted the ongoing challenges within the men's program.
With Guo Zhenming stepping into the role, basketball enthusiasts around the globe are keen to see how the CBA will navigate the future. Yao Ming's legacy, marked by his dedication and passion for the sport, sets a high benchmark for his successor.
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Yao Ming steps down as president of Chinese Basketball Association
cgtn.com
