Luo Xiaodong (in black jersey) of Dumen village aims to score during a game in Yiwu. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

After 18 days of competition, the first-ever village basketball association in Yiwu reached its zenith in Dachen town, Yiwu, on July 4.

The grand finale saw Dumen village facing off against Huantang village, with over 5,000 people in attendance. The game was also watched by more than 50,000 people on platforms such as Douyin.

Right from the tip-off, both teams showcased their styles of play and remained neck and neck for much of the game. The tide began to turn around the 7-minute and 20-second mark of the fourth quarter when, Dumen village created a double-digit gap.

Undeterred, Huantang village refused to surrender and staged a comeback with a "3+1" play, narrowing the deficit to seven points, with a little over four minutes left on the clock. The moment of reckoning arrived as Dumen village executed meticulous offensive and defensive maneuvers in the final moments, sealing a 79-71 victory.

The amateur players of Dumen village pose with their trophy in Yiwu on July 4. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

Dumen village made history with an unblemished record throughout the series. Their No 13 player, Luo Xiaodong, was named Most Valuable Player.

The event featured 19 teams, including 14 squads representing local villagers. A diverse mix of players graced the court, ranging from farmers and e-commerce professionals to farm owners and even an expert winemaker.

During intermissions between regular matches, the hosts orchestrated a series of side events, including three-point shooting contests and family showdowns.

As the Asian Games approaches, the successful inaugural edition of the village basketball association has ignited sports fervor across the nation while fostering camaraderie and solidarity among neighbors, said an official from Dachen town.