Chinese and international players pose for a group photo before the match. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The second edition of Liuxia subdistrict's Village BA basketball league tipped off on May 16, bringing together 16 teams and more than 240 players for a community tournament that will run through June 4.

The competition features teams from all 15 local villages and communities, along with a subdistrict representative team.

A highlight of this year's event was the debut of an international student team. The squad, made up of students from countries including Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Cameroon, played an exhibition game against the Liuxia representative team during the opening ceremony.

Many of the players study at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology. Miras, a student from Kazakhstan majoring in Business Chinese, said he hopes his team can win the championship. Having visited many Chinese cities, he described Hangzhou as his favorite for its beauty and green environment and said he hopes to stay in the city after graduation.

Organizers said the tournament aims to promote fitness, strengthen community ties and build Liuxia's Village BA into a signature grassroots sports and cultural brand.

Chinese and international players race for the basketball. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]