Miao Lijie Named Ambassador for FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025

Chinese basketball icon and FIBA Hall of Famer Miao Lijie has been appointed the ambassador for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025, which will be hosted in Shenzhen, China from July 13 to 20, 2025. Her appointment marks a symbolic return to the tournament that helped shape her legendary career and celebrates her enduring influence on women’s basketball in Asia.

Why in News?

Miao Lijie has recently been announced as the official ambassador for the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025. This international basketball event will return to China after a decade, making it a significant moment in both sporting and national contexts. Miao’s association adds legacy, visibility, and excitement for the event.

Who is Miao Lijie?

• Former captain and top scorer for China’s national women’s basketball team.
• FIBA Hall of Fame inductee (2024) – the third Chinese player to achieve this honor.
• Played in 3 Olympics (2004, 2008, 2012) and 3 FIBA World Cups.
• Led China to 6 Women’s Asia Cup medals, including 5 golds.
• Won 3 Asian Games gold medals (2002, 2006, 2010).
• Played professionally for WNBA’s Sacramento Monarchs, part of their 2005 championship team.
• First player to score 6,000 points in the WCBA (China’s professional league).

About FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025

• Dates: July 13–20, 2025.
• Venue: Shenzhen, China – known as the “City of the Future”.
• Returns to China after 10 years, last held in the country in 2015.
• Features top national women’s teams from Asia and Oceania.

Significance of Miao Lijie as Ambassador

• Symbolizes China’s rich basketball legacy.
• Aims to inspire younger generations, especially girls, to pursue basketball.
• Reinforces China’s status as a powerhouse in women’s basketball.

FIBA Women’s Asia Cup – Historical Highlights

• Miao made her debut in 1999, averaging 15 points per game.
• Led China to three consecutive titles in 2001, 2003, 2005.
• Returned to lead the team to victories in 2009 and 2011.
• Known for never letting China miss the podium after 1999.