Jinjiang: The Jinjiang Culture and Tourism Group · 2026 "Samaranch Cup" Asian Basketball Masters Invitational Tournament kicked off in Jinjiang on Feb 1, bringing together 104 youth and adult teams from across Asia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the tournament is co-hosted by the Samaranch Foundation and the Jinjiang Municipal People's Government, and spans six days featuring youth and adult categories. The youth competition includes six age groups from U9 to U17, while the adult division follows the men's 3x3 format.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice president and the Samaranch Foundation founder, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr, delivered a video message encouraging athletes to uphold the Olympic spirit.

The opening ceremony showcased local culture, featuring the "Jintang Dragon Dance", a Jinjiang intangible cultural heritage item that holds a Guinness World Record for the longest luminous dragon dance in the world, measuring 297.88 metres.

Later that evening, the tournament's first match featured Jinjiang's Nanyin Sports (U17) competing against Malaysia's Selangor Basketball Association (U17), as stated in a statement.

The event will also include parallel activities, such as an Olympic-themed Lecture Series, an Asian youth basketball salon, and a cultural visit to Wulin in Jinjiang for international players.

Jinjiang, often referred to as "China's Footwear Capital", produces about 1.5 billion pairs of athletic shoes annually, which accounts for roughly one-fifth of global output, and hosts sportswear brands such as Anta, Xtep, and 361°.

Guided by the "Jinjiang Experience", the city has developed a comprehensive sports industry chain, encompassing materials research and development, intelligent manufacturing, and event operations.