On August 29, 2025, the first China Sports Lottery "Nanshan Challenge Cup" Basketball Invitational Tournament was spectacularly launched at Guangzhou’s Tianhe Sports Center. Centered around the theme "Scientific Spirit · Never Give Up," the event brought together 25 elite teams from scientific research, medical, government, and corporate sectors across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It aimed to promote the belief advocated by Academician Zhong Nanshan — the "Scientific Spirit · Never Give Up" — fostering a deep integration of scientific and sports spirits, actively responding to the 15th National Games’ call for "Fitness for All," and creating a sports exchange platform for scientists, medical workers, and staff members.

Zhong Nanshan, recipient of the Republic Medal, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and director of Guangzhou National Laboratory, attended and delivered a speech. In his address, he expressed his passion for sports, stating that the teamwork cultivated through sports can be brought into research teams. When scientists appreciate the athletes' perseverance, and athletes understand the dedication of researchers, this mutual respect will unleash powerful strength beyond oneself. He also extended special thanks to the China Sports Lottery for its strong support of the event.

As a national public welfare lottery, the China Sports Lottery actively participates in medical aid, nationwide fitness, and other public welfare fields, aligning perfectly with the theme of this event.

This competition was hosted by Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou Sports Bureau, and China Construction Bank Guangdong Branch, with title sponsorship from China Sports Lottery. It was organized by Guangzhou Basketball Association and Guangzhou Cultural and Sports Industry Co., Ltd., and co-organized by the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen BGI Genomics Co., Ltd., Bank of China Guangdong Branch, and Bank of Communications Guangdong Branch.

The opening day coincided with the Qixi Festival. Tan Aiying, Party Secretary and Director of Guangzhou Sports Bureau, presented custom jerseys to Academician Zhong Nanshan and his wife, basketball star Li Shaofen, honoring their outstanding contributions in science and sports as well as their inspiring life partnership.

At the opening ceremony of the basketball invitational, the Guangzhou Acrobatic Theater under Guangzhou Cultural Group performed the internationally awarded "Silver Clown" act "Ball Pushing." The medical team from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University delivered an energetic dance performance, and the "Science Cheerleading Team" from Guangzhou National Laboratory presented a creative show blending science and youth elements. These exciting performances received enthusiastic applause, energizing the audience.

The tournament featured men's 5-on-5 basketball with a format of group stages followed by knockout rounds, awarding champion, runner-up, third and fourth places, as well as "Sportsmanship Award" and "Outstanding Organization Award." It served not only as a basketball competition but also as a platform for cross-sector communication, innovation integration, and health promotion. During breaks, a "Technology + Sports" themed shooting challenge gave spectators chances to win tech prizes like Huawei smartphones, echoing the "Fitness for All" concept. Looking ahead, Guangzhou National Laboratory will continue developing the "Nanshan Challenge Cup" as an annual flagship sports and innovation brand event.

The success of this event owes much to the strong support from China Sports Lottery. As a national public welfare lottery, it has always adhered to the principle of "from the people, for the people," actively engaging in various public welfare undertakings. Beyond providing financial backing, China Sports Lottery integrates public welfare ideals into the event, allowing more people to experience the charm of sports and the power of charity. Thanks to joint efforts, the "Nanshan Cup" Basketball Invitational will become a widely influential sports event, contributing significantly to the development of Chinese sports.