First invitation of Guizhou's Auntie Basketball Tournament to open in May

The auntie basketball tournament aims to allow participants to enjoy sports while showcasing ethnic culture. [Photo/ddcpc website]

From April 28 to May 1, the first invitation of the 2024 Auntie Basketball Tournament will be held at Xijiang One-Thousand-Household Miao Village, Leishan county, Southwest China's Guizhou province.

Basketball teams made up of women from nine cities and prefectures will wear ethnic costumes, bringing along local intangible cultural heritage items, creative tourism products, local specialties, and delicacies to ensure a memorable event.

The rules of the tournament are simple: "As long as you don't take the basketball home, it's not considered a foul." This is the essence of auntie basketball – low barrier to entry, down to earth, and popular among locals.

There are no traveling violations, players can run while holding the ball, and as long as it's not intentional, fouls are not typically called. If there is a tie, instead of overtime, the winner is decided by free throws.

The competition consists of two stages, and women aged 18 to 55 are eligible to participate.

Awards will be given to the top four teams:

Champion: Trophy, silver jewelry worth 30,000 yuan ($4,139.58), certificate, and a special gift package.

Runner-up: Plaque, silver jewelry worth 20,000 yuan, certificate, and a special gift package.

Third place: Plaque, silver jewelry worth 10,000 yuan, certificate, and special gift package.

Fourth place: Plaque, silver jewelry worth 5,000 yuan, certificate, and special gift package.

The auntie basketball tournament has a long history. Initially, participants were married women who had returned to their hometowns, and were thus called "aunties". Today, it has evolved into an interactive and entertaining event open to all women and focusing on the joy of sports.