
Online scrutiny links Li Yize to a previously registered player, Zhang Hanbo, sparking renewed concerns over age manipulation in Chinese sports
AI-generated summary
Li Yize, a core member of China’s under-18 basketball team, is facing allegations of age and identity fraud, reigniting long-standing public distrust in the domestic sports system.
The controversy erupted following China’s 73-59 exhibition win over New Zealand on Friday, when Li recorded 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
Despite his stand-out performance, fans online pointed out a striking resemblance between Li, whose listed birth date is March 27, 2008, and a player named Zhang Hanbo, who was registered as being born on March 19, 2006.
Zhang reportedly disappeared from competitive records after achieving a national first-class athlete rating, with no data available after he turned 16.
Conversely, Li appeared in the national youth database in 2024 with no previous history.
Both left-handed players share the same lunar birthday, the 20th day of the second month.

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