As a home-team player at the FISU University World Cup 3x3, Chinese student-athlete Yi Zheng is no stranger to university sport or FISU. One of the most prolific players at FISU's pioneering university-versus-university event, he is now chasing the Olympic dream. The Huaqiao University standout athlete will be representing his country, the People's Republic of China, in 3x3 basketball. 

Yi Zheng is currently the captain of the Chinese men’s 3x3 basketball national team, is the No.1 ranked player in China and is No.69 in the world, as per FIBA 3x3 Individual Rankings.

From 2015 to 2019, Yi had represented Huaqiao University at FISU's 3x3 basketball events, a total of six times in a row.  In 2018, he led his university team to the title - then known as a the 3x3 World University League.

The following year, Yi and his teammates got the bronze medal in the newly-named FISU University World Cup 3x3.

Looking back to the events from 2015 to 2019, Yi said, "It must be a deep relationship between me and FISU! What strikes me most is that I have been a part of all the FISU 3x3 editions held so far.”

“FISU events benefited me a lot,” Yi added. "I had a chance to communicate with players from all over the world at FISU events. And because of these FISU events, I stepped on the international court, and improved my personal skills. The experience at the FISU 3x3 events laid the foundation for me to be selected into the national team.”

Yi Zheng led Team China to the bronze medal at the 2019 FIBA 3x3 Asia CupYi was selected for the Chinese men’s basketball 3x3 national team in May 2018. He has represented China in the 2018 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup, 2019 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, and the 2019 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. At the Asia Cup, Yi led Team China to the bronze medal, the best result ever for Team China in history.

Yi had been looking froward to the FISU Unviersity World Cup in 2020, but the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Yi, 2020 was a test for everyone, but especially for athletes as competition is very important for them. "It was difficult to find a way to maintain our fitness and state of mind, and also improve ourselves through the limited competition opportunities," he said. 

Looking ahead to 2021 he said: “I hope that after such a special year, I can prepare well, represent China and take part in the Olympic Games in 2021.”

Huaqiao University won the 2018 FISU University World Cup 3x3

For Yi Zheng, 2021 will be a crucial year. Not only because he is training for Tokyo 2020 but also because he will get his master’s degree in sports this summer.

“In my studies, I got a lot of help from my college, my supervisor and classmates," Yi told FISU. "During my training, my supervisor always used online meetings to guide me and help me complete the graduation thesis.”

After getting his master’s degree, he plans to become a professional basketball player. “I used to be a 5x5 basketball player earlier," said Yi. "But I wanted to try something fresh and new and found 3x3 as my special sport. I hope I achieve more on the 3x3 court in the future."

"Through FISU, I got to know a new, great, exciting sport," Yi credited FISU for helping him discover 3x3. "And I got the chance to be selected in the national team because of FISU events. That’s an amazing experience in my life.”

Best wishes to the rising star who is hoping to make an impression at the Olympics!