Trusting the process
From left: Team China's Yang Liwei, Jin Weina and Li Meng pose with their gold medals as they celebrate victory over Japan in the final of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Sydney, Australia on July 2. AFP
Mentally tougher Team China developing into a more versatile outfit on the world stage, reckons coach Zheng
Fresh from leading China to its first FIBA Women's Basketball Asia Cup title in 12 years, coach Zheng Wei is keen to keep her side's triumph in perspective.
However, she admits that many aspects of her injury-hit team's run to glory in Australia show it is becoming a much tougher and resilient force on the biggest stages.
China beat archrival Japan, the winner of the previous five editions of the Asia Cup, 73-71 in the final on July 2. The victory delivered Team China its first trophy in the tournament since 2011, and followed its runner-up finish at last year's FIBA Women's World Cup, which also took place in Sydney.
"Mentality played a key role in our winning performance this time," Zheng told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.
"After what we experienced at the World Cup, we have become more tenacious. Although we encountered some difficulties before and during the Asia Cup, we are maturing by battling through these situations," said Zheng.
Overcoming adversity
With several players missing through injuries, Zheng admitted she "never expected to win the title".
"When we assembled for our Asia Cup preparations, we were without eight players that we had at the World Cup," Zheng recalled.
China's primary goal at the Asia Cup was to secure a top-four finish and thereby book a spot in the qualifying tournament for the Paris Olympics.
"Many things were uncertain at that time, as we didn't have all our players available during our preparations. After arriving in Sydney, we finally had our complete Asia Cup roster," said Zheng.
China's confidence had taken a hit due to losses in warm-up games in Europe to Belgium, Spain, and France, all semifinalists at this year's FIBA Women's EuroBasket.
"Continually losing definitely hurts your confidence and mentality as you doubt whether you can overcome this. But at the same time, our reserve players gained experience against those strong sides," Zheng said.
"But after we arrived in Sydney, we didn't have enough time to reflect on our losses as the Asia Cup was just around the corner."
Related articles
Analysis: Larson enters conversation with Verstappen as best drivers in the world
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Ask almost any hardcore motorsports fan who the best driver in the world is righ2024-05-21VOX POPULI: Ruling may be near on how to best romanize Japanese
“It is hoped that the entire Japanese public opinion will calmly and wisely judge and act from the b2024-05-21Gay Games Hong Kong unfazed by potential censorship, organiser says
As Hong Kong prepares to make history as the first place in Asia to host the Gay Games, an internati2024-05-21- The latest false conspiracy involves claims of a body double in the footage published by the Sun new2024-05-21
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
CHICAGO (AP) — The road for Shota Imanaga from Japan to the major leagues included at least one shar2024-05-21It's about to get more difficult for Americans to visit Brazil
Brazil is postponing its visa requirement for United States citizens - ones that require people to s2024-05-21
atest comment