The second phase of the 2024-25 Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) regular season is set to begin on Wednesday, with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers visiting the Shenzhen Leopards. Holding the league’s second-best record from the first stage, the Flying Tigers are eager to showcase their unique team culture and improve their standing.
Captain and reigning MVP Abdusalam Abdurexit highlighted the team’s distinctive identity, saying, “Club culture is key, especially considering our unique geographic location and team composition. We are the only CBA club representing the five northwest provinces and regions, and we have the most ethnic minority players in the entire league. This creates a distinct element for our team and is a major reason for our special identity.”
Over the years, the Flying Tigers’ proportion of ethnic minority players has been as high as 40 percent and currently sits around 30 percent. Club president Guo Jian emphasized the importance of the “Lao Dao” spirit, a phrase in the local dialect symbolizing courage, determination, positivity, and perseverance. “It embodies the spirit of the people of Xinjiang and is a core value at our club,” Guo said. “While the ultimate goal is the championship, the team focuses equally on building a fearless and determined squad with a tough, fighting spirit. This is the foundation of the club’s culture.”
From humble beginnings to becoming a formidable force in the CBA, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers represent the pride of their region. They continue to write their story through effort, perseverance, and teamwork, embracing the journey of “Lao Dao” as they inspire fans across Xinjiang and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
