3x3 tourney headlines Yunnan sports and culture festival

He said that it was amazing to witness different communities interacting with each other and cultures blending harmoniously.

The cultural diversity of Yunnan was particularly appreciated by Muhamad Akmal Bin Abdul Wahab, consul general of Malaysia in Kunming.

He was among 18 diplomats from six South Asian and Southeast Asian countries who experienced the traditional culture of ethnic minorities in Ruili on Friday, including activities such as Dai-style bowling and bamboo slingshot.

Wahab lauded the efforts to preserve, promote and introduce these traditional sports, especially to foreigners.

No doubt adding to his enjoyment of proceedings, the Malaysian team Kuala Lumper beat the Latvian team Battleship in the 3x3 final on Sunday to take the tournament's top honors, with Kuala Lumper small forward Marcus Hammonds being named the MVP.

The 38-year-old journeyman professional from the US watched local song and dance performances during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Yunnan province border happy village sports carnival on Thursday evening, with Hammonds describing it as a "cool experience" to explore China and its culture.