'Don't fear failure,' Tsai tells young hopefuls

On Sunday, the closing ceremony of the 2025 Joe Tsai Basketball Scholarship Camp was held in Hangzhou, bringing together young basketball enthusiasts from across China. The camp not only provided the chance to sharpen their skills, but also offered a chance to secure opportunities to study and play basketball abroad.

The Joe Tsai Basketball Scholarship aims to nurture young basketball talent in China, empowering them to pursue academic and athletic excellence on an elite level.

During the ceremony, Alibaba chairman and scholarship founder Tsai shared his personal journey of growth. "I'm deeply grateful to the parents who support their children in pursuing their dreams. I understand how difficult it is to leave home — I felt the same way when I went abroad to study as a child. I still remember seeing my father's eyes welling up with tears. But, sometimes, taking that brave step is necessary to achieve something greater. The opportunities to access global information today far surpass those of my time. By interacting and competing with peers overseas, I learned a lot, and I hope you can do the same," he said.

Tsai also encouraged the young players to embrace resilience, reflecting on his college days playing American football: "Don't fear failure. If you fall, get up and keep going. There are always more choices and opportunities. I hope you'll face the future with courage and continue chasing your dreams."

In 2019, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) launched the "Overseas Elite Study Program for Youth Basketball Talents," with four players receiving support from Tsai to study and train at schools in the United States. This initiative laid the foundation for the scholarship, which became an independent program in 2021 with the CBA's official support.

CBA president Guo Zhenming, reflected on the program's impact: "Over the past five years, this scholarship has supported 21 students. Some from the first cohort are now in college, with others playing professionally. Several recipients have also represented China on national and international stages."

Guo also addressed the camp participants: "Regardless of the outcome, I hope you all develop a genuine love and passion for basketball. Set a goal for yourself and work tirelessly toward it. Once you have a target, don't give up easily. As Joe Tsai mentioned, sports teach us to face setbacks and failures without giving up. Set your goals and keep striving."

The camp featured a coaching team led by Mike Gillian, basketball program director at IMG Academy in the United States. Gillian emphasized the importance of competing at a high level to unlock potential: "You have to compete against top-level competition to prove yourself, as your performance ultimately defines how good you are. If you always play against less-skilled players, you may be the best in your area, but real growth happens when you challenge yourself."

He highlighted the camp's role in exposing young players to advanced competition and development: "When you face skilled players, you start to understand your own abilities. If you rise to that level, you'll keep advancing. It's essential to continue seeking opportunities to play, grow and improve."

The 2025 camp, held from Dec 13 to 15, included physical assessments, bone age tests, basketball skill training, scrimmages, and fitness lessons. A total of 53 participants, including 15 girls, joined the program.

Gillian further expressed appreciation for the camp's impact: "Over these three days, Chinese young players were exposed to methods and styles they don't usually encounter. This experience will stay with them forever."

Reflecting on the relationships built, he said: "Our team gave everything we could to the camp and hope to return in the future. We'll stay connected with everyone we've met, tracking their progress whether they come to the US or not. These bonds are special, and we look forward to seeing where their journeys take them."

The camp continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Chinese basketball by providing young athletes with access to world-class resources, coaching and international exposure.

As participants leave the camp, they carry not only enhanced skills, but also the inspiration and determination to pursue their dreams, on and off the court.

chenye@chinadaily.com.cn