BEIJING: China plans to build the world's highest basketball court, 3,658 metres above sea level, in Tibet to promote the game.
The new basketball court would be a breakthrough in the development of sports in Tibet and will bring greater diversity to locals' leisure activities, Xie Yuteng, an official said.
The home court for the local team will be built in Lhasa, 3,658 metres above sea level, making it the world's highest basketball home court, state-run China Daily reported.
Once complete, the home court will probably lend the Tibet team a significant home court advantage, as they will be more accustomed to the thinner air of higher altitudes than their visiting opponents.
Xie said the altitude will surely influence the competition, but only slightly. Two professional teams had games in Tibet last year and did fairly well, Xie said.
"Besides, our players will be recruited from all over the nation, so many of them will also need time to adapt. Tibet will also create a regional football team in the future," Xie said.