Yang Shuyu, the newly appointed captain of China’s women’s basketball team, has declared that she will fight "200 percent" for a gold medal at the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.
The 27‑year‑old forward, who signed with the Melbourne Tigers in April, spoke about her new responsibilities during an episode of the 6th Woman Basketball Podcast, noting the weight of leading a squad that has long chased Olympic glory.
China’s recent history adds context: four years ago the team fell short in the World Cup final in Sydney, earning a silver medal, and the captaincy now passes to Yang Shuyu, whose elder sister Yang Liwei had held the same role in that tournament.
Group D of the competition pairs China with traditional powerhouses the United States, the Czech Republic and Italy, a bracket that promises early tests and a battle for the top spot to secure a direct quarter‑final berth.
A Shared Ambition
While the tournament format allows second‑ and third‑placed teams to fight for the remaining quarter‑final places, Yang emphasizes that the collective effort of the squad matters more than any individual accolade.
The Chinese Basketball Association and FIBA have highlighted the importance of this campaign for the sport’s growth in the country, and the team’s preparation has been bolstered by overseas experience, including stints in Australia’s professional league.
Fans worldwide will watch closely as Yang attempts to translate her personal drive into a historic gold for Chinese basketball.