Forget gleaming arenas adn professional athletes. In rural China, basketball is played outdoors by amateur players, rain or shine.””As soon as I arrived in Taipan,the first thing I felt was this enthusiasm and this excitement” Explains Xia Wenxian,a 30-year-old player from Gaoding village in Guizhou. He notes, “”There is the same competitive spirit in the cunba as in CBA and NBA,”” referring to the Chinese and American professional leagues.

The appeal lies in the players themselves. Fans are drawn to watching ordinary people compete with passion in these grassroots tournaments.Now, championships are held where the best village teams from each province compete at a national level.

“”To be eligible in this kind of tournament, you have to be born in the village that we represent,”” explains Yena Lee, RTBF correspondent in China. “”But according to the championships, there are rules that change such as the right to have one or two jokers, thus players who come from neighboring cities.””

The Rise of “CunBA”

“There is the same competitive spirit in the cunba as in CBA and NBA“

This surge in popularity has led to the creation of organized leagues and championships, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm found in rural communities.The “CunBA,” as it’s sometimes called, has become a source of pride and entertainment for millions.