After receiving a pass from his brother, Yang Baiqiang swiftly dribbled forward and netted a stunning buzzer-beater, securing Ningxia's victory in the "CunBA" semifinals of the northwestern region on Wednesday.

This win ensures his team, comprised of amateur players from a small village in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, a spot in the national village basketball finals scheduled for October in Guizhou Province.

Throughout the five-day qualifying tournament in Ningxia, 25-year-old Yang Baiqiang and his two elder brothers, Yang Baiqi and Yang Baizhong, stood out with their impeccable coordination, captivating many spectators.

Behind their success lies a tale of determination and passion.

Originating from Xihaigu, a region previously marked by severe poverty but always passionate about basketball, the brothers developed a love for the game early on.

As they remembered, their only playing area was a dusty patch in their front yard. "It was hard to control the ball on the rough ground, and we would be covered with dust after a game, but we enjoyed it anyhow," said Yang Baiqi, 33, the eldest of the siblings.

To enhance their playing conditions, their father, Yang Wandong, sourced asphalt to even out the ground and crafted a makeshift backboard using an iron ring and a plank.

"Playing basketball is everything to my sons, so I must support them no matter what," the father remarked.

Financial constraints led Yang Baiqiang's elder brothers to leave school early, taking on various jobs to aid their family. Yet, their ardor for basketball never waned.

Amid their busy schedules, the duo found time to practice, joining the village basketball team. Together, they spearheaded the team to numerous victories in village-level tournaments.

Their exceptional skills didn't go unnoticed. In 2019, the local government upgraded their dusty court to a cement one and installed standard basketball hoops.

With improved facilities, Yang Baiqiang, the youngest, embarked on a more promising journey. He joined his school's team, underwent formal training in middle school, and later attended Henan Polytechnic University as a student-athlete. Post-graduation, a local firm hired him as a semi-pro basketball player.

"Basketball has been a life-changer for me," Yang Baiqiang expressed, adding profound gratitude to his brothers for introducing him to the sport.

Over the years, Yang Baiqi, now a father of two, transitioned to a bench player role, offering court-side guidance to his younger siblings. With extensive training, Yang Baiqiang and Yang Baizhong have fostered a strong court synergy.

With their challenging days behind them, the brothers now aim to inspire more children with the dream of basketball.

In 2018, they initiated a basketball training program, offering expert coaching and summer accommodation. Their prowess attracted many urban students. Children from impoverished families are exempt from training fees.

"The course is not about making money, but about cultivating basketball talent for our hometown and passing on our passion for the sport," said Yang Baiqi.

Reaching the national finals brings the brothers a step closer to their basketball aspirations. They eagerly anticipate competing on China's premier village basketball platform in Guizhou.

"It's an honor to represent our hometown in the competition," Yang Baiqiang stated. "We will keep pushing boundaries and strive for the best result in the national finals." 

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