China women’s basketball stars vow team ‘will be even better’ after first FIBA Asia Cup triumph in 12 years

“Twelve years of hard work. Today we are back to the top of Asia,” the 23-year-old, who was named the MVP of the final and the tournament, wrote in a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo.

“We have done it. The weight of the double MVP is very heavy, but it comes from the trust and help of every teammate, coach, and member of staff.

“Thanks to the compatriots who shouted for us at the arena, and to all those who supported the Chinese women’s basketball team.

“It is you who gave me the courage to face difficulties and the strength to fight harder and harder. I’m never perfect, but I never give up the pursuit of perfection. The Chinese women’s basketball team will be even better.”

Li “LeBron” Meng was in tears at the end of the match, in which she contributed 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.

“My teammates and I have lived up to our hard work. Everything was worth it,” Li wrote on Weibo.

“In the future, the Chinese women’s basketball team still has a long way to go, and will face more challenges. If you have firm beliefs, keep climbing and searching, and fight to the end.

“Thanks to the fans for their support. Without you, there would be no team today. I would also like to thank my team, Sichuan Yuanda Meile, for carefully cultivating me and doing their best to provide talent for the women’s basketball national team.”

The 28-year-old Li, who also plays for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA, added that she was “very honoured” to be selected as part of the team of the tournament at the Asian Cup.

“Winning this honour also adds strong motivation to my future career. I will redouble my efforts to live up to everyone’s expectations.”

The Chinese Basketball Association released a statement congratulating the “fearless” team for “returning to the top of Asia” after 12 years.

“In this year’s Asian Cup, although the Chinese women’s basketball team was affected by injuries, they were not afraid of difficulties,” the statement said.

Chinese fans celebrated the team’s achievement and praised the players, with the Asian Cup triumph trending at No 1 on Weibo on Sunday.

“Enjoy it and cheer them to the fullest,” wrote one supporter. “You can always trust the Chinese women’s basketball team.”

“I cried after the game,” another user commented on the Twitter-like platform. “How many people watching the Chinese women’s basketball team also cried?”