Zhou Qi, Ding Yanyuhang get NBA approval to compete in Asian Games

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has granted permission for two of its Chinese players, Zhou Qi from the Houston Rockets and Ding Yanyuhang from the Dallas Mavericks, to compete in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. The Philippines' Jordan Clarkson has also been given permission to take part in the Games.

Zhou Qi (right) and Ding Yanyuhang. [File Photo: VCG]

The decision was made just days after the NBA said it would not release Clarkson for the competition, as NBA rules say that players can only be granted leave to participate in the Olympics, the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the Continental Cup. The NBA also conducted an investigation into the case of the two Chinese players, after the Philippine Olympic Committee questioned whether the Chinese stars were allowed to take part in the Asian Games.

Jordan Clarkson controls ball against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden in Boston on May 13, 2018. [Photo: VCG]

In its latest statement, which was released on Wednesday, the NBA said that after discussions with the China Basketball Association and the Philippines Basketball Association, Zhou Qi, Ding Yanyuhang, and Jordan Clarkson could participate in the Asian Games.

China's first match up in the group stage of this year's Games is with the Philippines. The two sides will hit the court on August 21.