Retirees net kudos for skills in basketball

CHANGSHA－What would you choose to do after reaching 60 years of age? Retire, take care of grandchildren or just stay at home? In Changsha city in Central China's Hunan province, a group of retirees has chosen to add some bounce to their twilight years with basketball.

Watching them play, you'd be forgiven for thinking they are younger. The women's basketball team that go by the moniker Feiyue has an average age of 60 years old.

Team member Li Ying dribbles the ball quickly, breaking through the defense, turns around and makes a rear shot. The ball slots accurately through the hoop, barely rattling the netting before landing and bouncing off the surface of the court.

Ten years ago, out of their common love for basketball, they spontaneously set up this team. Team leader Xiao Jing says, "Life isn't all about basketball, but it isn't a life without basketball."

Both Xiao Jing and Li Ying have a more than 40-year history with the sport. They studied basketball together at a sports school as children. Although they did not engage in professional sports, for a long time after graduating, they were known as "basketball pros" at their workplaces.

"Even if I haven't played for a period of time, when I pick up the ball, it is like it sticks to my hand. No one can steal it from me," Li says.

Many members of the team come from a sports background. Some did track and field at school, while others were swimmers. There is even a relay champion on the team.

At the same time, they have also become coaches to their teammates. One player found the team's information on the internet and signed up barely knowing anything about the sport. The senior members of the team explained the rules, demonstrated the movements and it wasn't long before the newcomer developed into a skilled player.

"Some people say, how can 60-year-old women play basketball? But look at us, we feel like we can run all over the court!" Xiao says.

The habit of playing basketball on a regular basis has brought a lot of positive benefits to the sporty sexagenarians. They are now able to move fast and react quickly with good physical strength. "For so many years, we have hardly ever been sick or hospitalized," says Xiao.

Apart from the physical gains, the most precious thing basketball brings to them is a young heart and youthful outlook. "We train twice a week, and we don't feel tired－even playing continuously for an hour. Whenever we have the chance, we travel all over China to compete," Xiao says.

Over the past 10 years, all the team members have sweated, run and enjoyed victory together. Their hearty laughter can be heard on, and off, the court.

"The passion and pure love for basketball is what brought us all together," Li says.

"Age is only a number for us, but not a limit," Xiao says, adding that women her age can not only take on family roles, but also develop sporting hobbies to enrich their lives.

After the final whistle, the team made an appointment with each other for the next training session.

Every time Li Ying plays, she looks up to her oldest teammate, who is 65 years old this year. "As long as you can play, you should keep playing."

Xinhua