Today, there are an estimated number of 300 million people from China that play basketball. This is nearly the same number that represents the entire population of the United States of America! It is thought that the game of basketball was taught to Chinese citizens by YMCA missionaries just a few years following its invention in 1891 (Blineburry). Basketball was given a more concrete place in the People’s Republic of China when the first Prime Minister, Chou En Lai, endorsed basketball because of its contribution and symbolism of teamwork and fitness. College students and soldiers were the first of the Chinese to embrace basketball in China. Soldiers would play basketball to occupy their time and lift their spirits. In addition, because the game is so old, when it was first introduced ping-pong was the only other sport people had the option of playing. The sport was also endorsed by the military in its camps because of its ability to build friendships and teamwork. In fact, in certain situations the best players would be treated differently, receiving higher military ranks and having access to perks like special dining and expensive clothing
Today, there are an estimated number of 300 million people from China that play basketball. This is nearly the same number that represents the entire population of the United States of America! It is thought that the game of basketball was taught to Chinese citizens by YMCA missionaries just a few years following its invention in 1891 (Blineburry). Basketball was given a more concrete place in the People’s Republic of China when the first Prime Minister, Chou En Lai, endorsed basketball because of its contribution and symbolism of teamwork and fitness. College students and soldiers were the first of the Chinese to embrace basketball in China. Soldiers would play basketball to occupy their time and lift their spirits. In addition, because the game is so old, when it was first introduced ping-pong was the only other sport people had the option of playing. The sport was also endorsed by the military in its camps because of its ability to build friendships and teamwork. In fact, in certain situations the best players would be treated differently, receiving higher military ranks and having access to perks like special dining and expensive clothing