In a significant move for Chinese basketball, Yao Ming has stepped down as president of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), with vice president Guo Zhenming set to succeed him. Announced on Thursday, Yao expressed his enduring passion for the sport, saying, \"Whether in the past, present, or future, basketball has always been a passion of mine. I hope everyone will continue to support Chinese basketball with me in the future.\"
Yao's seven-year tenure, which began in February 2017, saw notable successes for the women's national team, including gold medals at the Asian Games in Jakarta in 2018 and Hangzhou in 2023. The team also achieved a runner-up position at the 2022 FIBA Women's World Cup in Sydney, matching their best performance in the tournament's history.
However, the men's national team faced challenges, failing to qualify for both the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games and not making it to the top 16 in the FIBA World Cups held in 2019 and 2023.
Yao's influence extends beyond his administrative role. As a player, he led the Shanghai Sharks to a CBA championship in 2002 before being drafted first overall by the NBA's Houston Rockets the same year. His illustrious career includes eight NBA All-Star appearances and five All-NBA Team selections. Yao retired in July 2011, with the Rockets retiring his No. 11 jersey in February 2017 and his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2016.
Guo Zhenming, who has been with the CBA since 2022, praised Yao's leadership, stating, \"On one hand, Yao's unique influence and ability to integrate resources within the basketball community are unparalleled. On the other hand, when we compare our situation to the national initiatives aimed at revitalizing the goal of establishing China as a sports powerhouse by 2035, we still have a considerable way to go.\"
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Yao Ming steps down as president of the Chinese Basketball Association
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