Chinese WNBA star Han Xu laments anti-Asian hate surge in the US – ‘it’s frightening and upsetting’
- New York Liberty centre stresses need to ‘take action to stop this horrific violence’
- Brooklyn-based team also condemn recent incidents with ‘#StopAsianHate’ social media movement
Chinese basketball international Han Xu has spoken out about the spate of anti-Asian violence seen in New York, home of her club team New York Liberty.
The 21-year-old Hebei native, drafted by the WNBA outfit in the second round in 2019, has been sitting out the league since last May over the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s frightening and upsetting to see the rising hate crimes and attacks against the Asian-American community and in particular in New York, a community I love,” Han, currently in China, told Xinhua.
“We all need to show solidarity for those being targeted and take action to stop this horrific violence. Please be kind to one another.”
Often likened to legendary Chinese NBA player Yao Ming for her height – she was the second-tallest player in league history in her rookie season and stands at 2.06m, according to the WNBA – Han has been tied down by the Liberty until 2022.