Premier Jiang Yi-huah today expressed his excitement and congratulations to the Chinese Taipei basketball team for fighting all the way to the semifinals at the FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basket-ball) Asia Championship for Men in Manila. He expects the Chinese Taipei team to continue its winning streak and perform outstandingly again in its upcoming match.
"The ROC basketball team has written a new chapter in its international competition history," Jiang declared. "In its thrilling game with mainland China, the Taiwanese team at one point trailed by 17 points. It never gave in to adversity, however, and through persistence and determination finally beat the mainland team 96-78, earning a place in the semifinals with an 18-point comeback victory.
"This Taiwanese team is not only the first to defeat mainland China in the Asia Championship but also the first in 14 years to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. Its impressive performance has made the nation proud.
"Though Taiwan is a founding member of the FIBA Asia Championship for Men, its place in the event was rescinded from 1975 to 1985 due to cross-strait political issues. Unfortunately, Taiwan had not been able to deliver satisfactory performances nor defeat mainland China in the event since its reinstatement. Hence, yesterday's glorious victory turned a new page in the cross-strait competition record.
"The Taiwanese team's outstanding performance was the fruit of hard work and rigorous training. Additionally, I would like to thank the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association and its chairman, Legislator Ting Shou-chung, for their contributions in providing full support for both player development and participation in international competitions.
"The government will continue its commitment to fostering talent and popularizing sports so that in future competitions there will be even more Taiwanese athletes bringing glory to the nation," the premier concluded.