Report: Zhou Qi Wanted to Play at Asian Games but Was Not Selected

A new controversy surrounding China’s men’s basketball team has emerged after reports claimed that veteran center Zhou Qi had expressed his willingness to compete at the Asian Games but was ultimately left off the roster.

According to reports circulated by several Chinese sports media outlets, Zhou had proactively communicated with the national team before the Asian Games and indicated that he was willing to participate. However, he was not included in China’s final 14-player roster. The reports have since attracted significant attention on Chinese social media.

The issue first attracted attention in August, when the Chinese Basketball Association announced China’s Asian Games roster without Zhou’s name. At the time, Sports Weekly reporter Shao Huaqian reported that the national team had previously asked about Zhou’s physical condition and whether he could handle the demands of consecutive games. Zhou reportedly responded that he would be willing to play if the national team needed him. His club, Beijing, had also reportedly prepared for the possibility that he would miss part of the summer training period.

Another report said Zhou was disappointed at missing the Asian Games roster. Earlier media reports indicated that he was in a condition to compete, making his absence a subject of discussion even before the latest revelations.

The latest reports, citing media personality “Chengsir Laoba,” claim that head coach Guo Shiqiang’s stated reason for not selecting Zhou was that the center had not participated in the national team’s summer training camp. The same reports also claimed that guard Xu Jie had expressed his willingness to participate but was likewise not selected. These details have been reported through media and commentators, and there has not been a comprehensive official explanation from the Chinese Basketball Association or Guo regarding the specific decision-making process.

The selection of other players has also become part of the discussion. Reports noted that center Yu Jiahao had dealt with an injury during the offseason but was nevertheless included in the roster. This comparison has prompted debate among fans and media over how the coaching staff balanced summer training participation, physical condition, tactical preparation and competitive needs. Such discussion, however, reflects outside commentary rather than an official finding about the coaching staff’s selection standards.

Zhou’s absence has received renewed attention following China’s performance at the Asian Games. The Chinese men’s team finished fourth, failing to secure a medal. The result led to broader discussion about the team’s rebounding, interior defense and roster decisions, adding further attention to the earlier debate over player selection.

The central details of the latest report have yet to receive a comprehensive public confirmation from the relevant authorities or all of the individuals involved. The exact circumstances surrounding Zhou’s exclusion therefore remain subject to further clarification.

The episode has nevertheless renewed discussion about the criteria used to select China’s national team players, including how coaches balance training participation, player availability, physical condition, tactical continuity and the demands of major international competitions.