Qualified Team Focus - China: Asian giants out to grab more global success

MIES (Switzerland) - The Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 lineup is now known and with the game schedule also confirmed, we're checking out the 12 nations bidding for glory at Paris 2024.

We're focusing on the second highest placed team in the FIBA World Ranking Women, presented by Nike, namely China.

How they qualified

China hosted the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Xi'An and while they ultimately booked their place on the plane to Paris, it didn't go exactly to plan. Expectations were sky-high heading into the competition having attained global success last time by making the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Final and playing really well against USA. The year after, they were crowned FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2023 champions.

However, China were humbled as they lost 82-50 to France. They bounced back in style with comfortable victories against Puerto Rico and New Zealand, respectively. 

Record at the Olympics

Appearances: 10 - 1984 (3rd); 1988 (6th); 1992 (2nd); 1996 (9th); 2004 (9th); 2008 (4th); 2012  (6th); 2016 (10th); 2020 (5th); 2024.
Medals: 2 -🥈(1992) 🥉(1984)

Last appearance 

There was talk of China potentially making a run for a podium spot at Tokyo 2020 and they looked set to deliver after beating both Australia and Belgium in the early stages of their campaign. However, they then succumbed 77-70 in the Quarter-Finals to Serbia.

The Group Phase 

China were drawn in Group A which represents a serious opportunity for them to finish first and they could be many people's favorites for pole position in this pool.

They will get the chance to avenge their Olympic disappointment of Tokyo as they will face Serbia, along with a tricky test against Spain and a rematch from the recent Qualifying Tournament with Puerto Rico.

China Group Phase games

vs Spain (July 28)
vs Serbia (July 31)
vs Puerto Rico (August 3)

Players to watch

China have some fabulous leaders and star names, starting with the always influential Meng Li who will bring her expertise and know-how on the wings. Her leadership is often what makes her team tick. 

Under the basket, China can boast two of the best in the business with twin towers Yueru Li and Xu Han who have been widening their appeal even further by competing Stateside at club level and the former taking Besiktas to a first-ever EuroCup Women Final. 

Qualified Team Focus series

During the coming weeks and months, we will continue to check out all teams ready to step out at Paris 2024 as part of our Qualified Team Focus series. You can already take a look at USA here.

FIBA