by sportswriters Li Bowen, Xia Liang
HANGZHOU, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- "Let's welcome player No. 98, He Mingliang!"
During the 12th round of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) regular season, the highly anticipated match between the Zhejiang Lions and Jilin Northeast Tigers saw He Mingliang take to the court for the Lions in his No. 98 jersey to thunderous applause from the crowd.
He, 25, from Guizhou Province, has faced significant challenges, living with congenital deafness and suffering the loss of his left leg in a car accident as a child. However, these hardships did not break his spirit. With unwavering determination, he has nurtured a deep love for life, particularly for basketball, often devouring online videos to improve his skills.
"My younger brother, around seven or eight years old, learned to play basketball by watching TV. Now, his phone is filled with various basketball tutorials, and he plays for over three hours a day," said his brother, He Mingfeng.
He Mingliang moved from his hometown to Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, to live with his brother last year. He began sharing videos of himself playing online, gradually gaining a following. His popularity skyrocketed after a recent one-on-one showdown with former CBA player Han Delong.
In a video posted by Han, He showcased his skills, dribbling, stepping back, and shooting -- all on one leg. To level the playing field, Han also played on one leg, but after half an hour, he felt tired, while He, unfazed, urged him to feel the strength of his thigh muscles. In the end, even this seasoned player had to concede a defeat.
"I was already impressed to learn he was deaf, but when he appeared with a prosthetic leg, I was stunned. To play like that was just incredible - I couldn't hold back my tears," commented one viewer. "I cried, but I feel no pity for him because he is stronger than I am!" another said. "Destiny cannot match the spirit of belief!" commented many who watched the video.
He's resilience has touched the hearts of many, including the Zhejiang Lions. On the day of the game against Jilin, the club signed He to a "one-day player contract" and gifted him a special jersey adorned with his name and the number 98.
"The numbers 99 and 88 represent the club's two mascots, so we take one number each to convey our best wishes for him," a club representative explained.
During pre-game warm-ups, He engaged in various training activities with the Zhejiang players. He competed in free throws with Hu Jinqiu, shot three-pointers alongside Zhao Yanhao, went one-on-one with Sun Minghui, and even attempted his very first dunk.
"He fought hard to slam that ball through the hoop, just as he has battled against fate all these years," said a spectator. After several attempts, and to the delight of everyone, he succeeded.
"I'm so happy to receive this special contract. The interactive drills were really fun, and I didn't feel tired at all," He smiled, sharing his "CBA debut" experience through sign language.
As the players entered the arena, He walked alongside the Zhejiang team, shaking hands and cheering them on. During half-time, he returned to the court to a standing ovation from the crowd. In a touching moment, the Lions announced a donation of 60,000 yuan (8,256 US dollars) to He for customization of his prostheses.
After receiving the club's gift, He eagerly expressed his gratitude through his brother, feeling both thankful and fulfilled.
"He was so natural with the Zhejiang players and the home fans, showing no signs of anxiety. His inner strength is remarkable," one spectator said. "With passion, one can conquer any challenge. Everyone with a dream is extraordinary," added another.
At that moment, basketball came alive. On the day, dreams became tangible, and He Mingliang's basketball aspirations became reality. ■
