Sichuan and Hunan Colleges Dominate as National University Basketball Third-Tier League Southwest Region Concludes in Zhaotong
The courts of Zhaotong, Yunnan, were a whirlwind of intensity and youth over the past week as the 2025–2026 National University Basketball Third-Tier League (Southwest Region) reached its thrilling conclusion on April 28. Organized by the China Student Sports Federation, the six-day tournament transformed the city into a regional sporting hub, drawing nearly 500 athletes from 27 college basketball teams across seven provinces and municipalities—Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Hunan, and Hubei—as well as the Macau Special Administrative Region.
From the opening tip-off on April 23 to the final buzzer, the event served as more than just a competition; it was a showcase of the growing depth of collegiate basketball in Southwest China. For many of these athletes, the tournament represented the culmination of a season’s worth of training, played out in front of packed stands at the Zhaotong City Central Gymnasium and other local venues.
The Podium: Champions Crowned
The finals saw a fierce battle for supremacy, with teams from Sichuan and Hunan ultimately claiming the top honors. The men’s division was characterized by high-tempo offense and physical defense, while the women’s division showcased tactical precision and resilience.
In the men’s bracket, Sichuan Wenxuan Vocational College emerged as the champions, securing the gold after a grueling series of matchups. They were followed by Changsha Nanfang Vocational College in second place and Changsha Civil Affairs Vocational Technical College in third.
The women’s division saw a different outcome but similar regional dominance. Changsha Civil Affairs Vocational Technical College claimed the championship title. Changsha Nanfang Vocational College took the silver, while Sichuan Wenxuan Vocational College rounded out the podium in third place.
| Placement | Men’s Division | Women’s Division |
|---|---|---|
| Champion | Sichuan Wenxuan Vocational College | Changsha Civil Affairs Vocational Technical College |
| Runner-up | Changsha Nanfang Vocational College | Changsha Nanfang Vocational College |
| Third Place | Changsha Civil Affairs Vocational Technical College | Sichuan Wenxuan Vocational College |
On-Court Action: Opening Salvos and Intensity
The tournament set a high bar from the start. The opening game at the Zhaotong City Central Gymnasium pitted the home team, Yunnan Transportation Vocational and Technical College, against Tongren Vocational and Technical University. The match served as a bellwether for the level of competition expected throughout the week.
While the first half remained a tight, low-scoring affair with both teams trading baskets, the intensity escalated in the second half. Tongren Vocational and Technical University eventually broke away, utilizing a potent transition game to secure a 92-70 victory. This early clash established the narrative of the tournament: a blend of tactical discipline and raw athletic energy.
The action wasn’t limited to the central arena. To accommodate the 27-team field, games were distributed across the Yunnan Normal University Affiliated Zhaoyang Middle School Gymnasium and the Zhaotong Vocational College Basketball Hall, ensuring that the spirit of the league permeated the entire city.
Beyond the Baseline: “Follow the Tournament to Tour Zhaotong”
One of the most distinct aspects of this year’s league was the integration of athletics and regional tourism. Zhaotong officials launched the “Follow the Tournament to Tour Zhaotong” initiative, designed to introduce the visiting athletes and officials to the city’s cultural heritage.
The program provided tangible incentives: coaches, referees, and players were granted free admission to city scenic spots with valid identification. Spectators were likewise included in the perks, receiving free entry to 39 scenic areas and half-price tickets to three others upon presenting their game tickets.
Between games, teams stepped away from the hardwood to explore the Zhaotong Museum, where they engaged with immersive exhibits on the city’s history. Other excursions took athletes through the Zhaotong Ancient City, with visits to the Guangdong Guild Hall and the Chijia Courtyard, blending the rigor of competition with cultural education.
Yu Jie, the head of the Basic Course Department at Hubei Biotechnology Vocational College, noted that the experience highlighted the city’s warmth and depth. “Zhaotong’s cultural lineage is long and profound, and the hospitality has been thoughtful and attentive,” Yu said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many of the visiting delegations.
Official Closing and Future Outlook
The tournament concluded with a formal closing ceremony on the evening of April 28. The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Feng Hao, the Mayor and Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee of Zhaotong, and Man Kaijie, Vice Chairman of the China Student Sports Federation and Deputy Secretary-General of the Joint Secretariat of the Ministry of Education Student Sports Association.
During the ceremony, Feng Hao presented medals and trophies to the winning teams and recognized outstanding individuals and organizations. The Mayor emphasized that the event was a vital window for Zhaotong to showcase its urban charm and promote its cultural and tourism resources.
From an administrative standpoint, the Zhaotong Education and Sports Bureau reported that the event focused on “safety, excitement, and success.” This involved a comprehensive logistical operation covering venue maintenance, traffic management, medical support, and volunteer services to ensure the nearly 500 athletes could focus entirely on their performance.
The success of the 2025-2026 Southwest Region league underscores a broader strategy to use collegiate sports as a catalyst for urban development. By fusing sports with tourism and commerce, Zhaotong aims to solidify its identity as a “City of Events, City of Vitality, and City of Charm.”
With the Southwest Region now decided, the focus shifts to the broader national implications of the Third-Tier League as teams prepare for future stages of the collegiate basketball calendar.
For the latest updates on collegiate sports and regional tournaments, stay tuned to Archysport. Do you think the integration of tourism and sports helps athletes perform better, or is it a distraction? Let us know in the comments.
