“Eighteen Bends is the birthplace of targeted poverty alleviation, and playing basketball here carries a different kind of significance,” said Long Leyue, a player for the Jiewei Town basketball team in Huayuan County.

Sixteen regional basketball teams gathered on October 31 at the cultural square basketball court in Shidongcun—also known as Eighteen Bends Village—to mark the opening of the 2026 Shidongcun “Gike Cup” Basketball Invitation Tournament. Representing Mayang, Fenghua, Baojing, Jishou, and Huayuan, the squads launched a four-day competition designed to foster regional sports and cultural exchanges while boosting grassroots fitness participation.

Opening Ceremony Launch at Shidongcun Cultural Square

The morning opening ceremony set a lively tone at the village cultural square as the 16 competing teams and officiating crews marched onto the court in precise alignment.

Athlete and referee representatives took turns stepping up to the podium to swear oaths, pledging to uphold sportsmanship, follow competition regulations strictly, and ensure fair play throughout the four-day schedule.

Fast-Paced Action in the Opening Showdown

Once the ceremony concluded, the tournament tipped off with a fast-paced opening match between the white-jerseyed team from Yayou Town and the black-jerseyed squad from Shilai Town, both located in Huayuan County.

Players traded dribbling drives, tight defensive traps, and turnaround jumpers as the score fluctuated and crowd volume spiked with every converted basket. Spectators and visiting tourists packed the sidelines, filling the mountain venue with steady cheers.

Tournament Format and Strict CBA Rule Enforcement

Running from October 31 through November 3, the event features a two-stage format to crown a champion. The 16 participating clubs are split into four groups—labeled A, B, C, and D—to play an initial round-robin group stage. Surviving squads then advance to a knockout bracket consisting of quarterfinals, semifinals, placement matches, and the championship final scheduled for November 3.

Organizers confirmed that the competition strictly enforces the Chinese Basketball Association’s 2026 rule updates, which include an instant replay challenge mechanism. Group matches and quarterfinals utilize a package-style stop-clock timing structure, while the semifinals and finals run entirely under continuous stop-clock regulations. Security teams, medical emergency personnel, and venue inspection crews remain on site to maintain order and safety.

Free Public Access and Rural Revitalization

Beyond the competitive rivalry on the floor, tournament planners designed the gathering as a celebration of grassroots athletic camaraderie and local development. Visitors and local residents can attend all matches at the Shidongcun cultural square free of charge, experiencing the basketball culture rooted in the Miao ethnic region.

The competition runs through November 3 at the Shidongcun cultural square basketball court, culminating in the tournament’s final medal matches.