Yi Zheng said FISU events had laid the foundation for his 3x3 success ©FISU

China's top-ranked 3x3 basketball player has credited the International University Sports Federation (FISU) for "laying the foundation" for his success in the sport as he seeks a place on his country's squad for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Yi Zheng, who has represented Huaqiao University at six of the FISU's 3x3 basketball events since 2015, said the organisation's competitions had "benefitted me a lot".

The Chinese player, ranked 69 in the world by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), was a member of the team that won the 3x3 World University League in 2018 before taking bronze at the rebranded FISU University World Cup 3x3 the following year.

"I had a chance to communicate with players from all over the world at FISU events, and because of these FISU events, I stepped on the international court, and improved my personal skills," Yi said.

"The experience at the FISU 3x3 events laid the foundation for me to be selected into the national team.

"Through FISU, I got to know a new, great, exciting sport, and I got the chance to be selected in the national team because of FISU events. 

"That’s an amazing experience in my life."

Yi Zheng was a member of the Chinese team which won bronze at the 2019 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup ©FIBA
Yi Zheng was a member of the Chinese team which won bronze at the 2019 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup ©FIBA

Yi competed for the Chinese national team at the 2018 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup, 2019 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, and the 2019 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.

At the 2019 Asia Cup, Yi helped guide China to bronze, their best ever result at the competition.

Yi now has his sights set on representing his nation at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, rescheduled for this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

3x3 basketball is due to make its debut at the Games, scheduled to run from July 23 to August 8.

"I hope that after such a special year, I can prepare well, represent China and take part in the Olympic Games in 2021," Yi said.