CunBA, also known as Village Basketball Association, is one of the hottest sports tournaments in China right now."Cun"in Chinese means village, since the basketball league is held in a small village of Guizhou province, southwest China. Up to now, stories, photos and videos related to the tournaments have attracted more than 30 billion views.

Last summer, CunBA and National Basketball Association marked the"dream connection". Jimmy Butler of Miami heat, fresh off his NBA finals appearance, came to hold the classes himself. He played basketball with fans, showing wonderful skills. Wearing ethnic jewelry and embroidery, Butler received applause and cheers from thousands of fans in the village. When asked about his feelings about the trip, Butler said that CunBA game was unbelievable.

Stephen Marbury, a former NBA star, known as "the Lone wolf", now coaching in China's professional league, visited the village to pick potential talent playing in the countryside."I mean I'm just happy to be here. I saw the energy here from Washington on TV and on my phone. And now I'm here. I'm just happy to be here in the audience. I recommend everybody to come here to feel this energy", he said.

The participation of NBA stars has introduced the village game to the world. China-America Youth Basketball Friendship Match was held on Sept 17, 2024. That day was also Mid-Autumn Festival in China: a day of family reunion and happiness. Not only did the American and Chinese students enjoy playing basketball, but they also performed wonderful shows for each other to celebrate the big day, including native American dances and songs by US students, which allowed the local villagers to experience the culture of the American continent.

Some foreign netizens said that CunBA is the Chinese version of "New York Rock Park Stadium", showing the unique basketball culture; some netizens said that from the NBA to CunBA, the desire to enjoy the pure joy of sports and pursue a better life is common; some said that they hope that sports and basketball can become the"common denominator" of China and the United States, promoting cultural exchanges between the two peoples.

Indeed, CunBA provides a window for American youth to learn about Chinese people, and for Chinese players to learn about American basketball culture. It also marks the friendship and cultural exchanges between the Chinese and American youth and peoples. Even across the Pacific Ocean, transcending mountains and seas, basketball has built a bridge for the exchanges between Chinese and American peoples. Although thousands of miles apart, the hearts are close.

The author is an international observer.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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