HARARE, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe and China marked 45 years of diplomatic relations with a friendly basketball match on Saturday in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.

Supported by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe and the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe, the game was organized by Better Basketball Zimbabwe (BBZ), a sports organization dedicated to developing the sport in the country.

Allen Mavunga, founder and director of BBZ, praised the initiative for strengthening ties between the two nations, noting the role of sport in building lasting relationships and teamwork.

"Sport is a universal language. You might not speak the same language, but when you get on the basketball court, you start to speak the same language because you understand what will be happening," Mavunga told Xinhua on the sidelines of the match.

As the leader of an organization focused on grassroots development, he expressed hope for partnerships to expand sports facilities in Zimbabwe and increase exchange programs with China.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the game exemplified how sport bridges cultures, deepens understanding, and unites people through shared values. He encouraged players to extend the spirit of friendship beyond the court.

"Your skill, energy and sportsmanship illuminated the court. Your teamwork and passion turned this match into a vibrant tribute to our enduring friendship. Thank you all for your participation and dedication, which has helped to strengthen our people-to-people ties," Zhou said.

Lewis Chirenje, founder and chairperson of Assassins Basketball, a Harare-based club that promotes community development and inclusivity through sport, said the goal was not victory but friendship.

"The winner today is basketball. We hope to have more of these friendly matches in the future," he said. ■