The 14th Huzhen basketball league opens at the basketball court in Huzhen town on Aug 15. [Photo/Jinyun county publicity department]

The 14th Huzhen basketball league, a popular sports event in Huzhen town, Jinyun county, Lishui city, East China's Zhejiang province, kicked off on Aug 15 in Huchuan village.

The league has been held for 13 consecutive years. More than 100 athletes from seven teams will compete in 25 matches over the next nine days.

The villagers showed great enthusiasm for the basketball league. The stands were full of spectators, and some even sat on the ground by the court.

The players displayed their skills on the court. [Photo/Jinyun county publicity department]

The intense competition was accompanied by cheers, applause and shouts from the audience.

The cheerleading team was also a highlight of the game. The rhythmic drum beats and the cheering voices boosted the morale of the players on the court.

"Our Huzhen has a sports tradition. Every summer, we feel incomplete without watching a basketball game. It has become a 'summer essential' for every Huzhen people," a spectator said.