Bronze medalist Team China stands on the podium during the victory ceremony for the men’s basketball at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, on Oct 6, 2023. Following the 77-76 defeat to the Philippines – who went on to win Asian Games gold in Hangzhou – fed-up Chinese fans piled in online to berate and mock their team. — AP
BEIJING: Chinese basketball great Yao Ming says that criticism of the men’s national team has gone too far after some players were abused online following a series of disappointing results.
Basketball is hugely popular in China, but the team has consistently failed to live up to high expectations, with the latest letdown a loss to the Philippines in the semi-finals of the Asian Games on home soil last month.
