Basketball legend Ma Qingsheng dies at 95

The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) officially issued a condolence statement on November 8 Beijing time, announcing the passing of Ma Qingsheng, a Chinese basketball legend and member of the Chinese Basketball Hall of Fame, at the age of 95.

Ma Qingsheng was among the first group of Chinese athletes to be awarded the title of National-Class Basketball Master. In 1952, he served with the Chinese People's Volunteer Army during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. He joined the Shenyang Military Region basketball team in 1955, the Chinese national team in 1957, and the Bayi basketball team in 1960. In 1975, he became head coach of the Bayi men's basketball team.

As a player, he won the National Basketball League championship in 1955 and every year from 1960 to 1964. As a coach, he led his teams to National Basketball League titles in 1981 and 1982, as well as National Games championships in 1975 and 1979.

In 1979, Ma Qingsheng was appointed head coach of the Chinese men's national basketball team, leading the squad to victory at the 10th Asian Basketball Championship (ABC).

In 1999, he received the Outstanding Contribution to New China's Basketball Award. In 2024, he was inducted into the Chinese Basketball Hall of Fame.