Li Kaier's naturalization: Today, I have completed my willingness to recognize my ancestors and my family's greatest wish! Regarding Yao Ming's voice | Li Kaier | Li Kaier's naturalization
"Naturalization of Li Kaier complies with Chinese laws and relevant rules of the FIBA, and blood and cultural identity are important reasons why we move towards each other."
On the morning of the 24th, the Chinese Basketball Association announced through social media that Li Kaier had obtained Chinese nationality and met with the chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association, Yao Ming.
Image source: Official social account of the Chinese Basketball Association
![Li Kaier's naturalization: Today, I have completed my willingness to recognize my ancestors and my family's greatest wish! Regarding Yao Ming's voice | Li Kaier | Li Kaier's naturalization](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/fe4e8ebd9109ac49d4a8965db2a7d768.jpg)
Yao Ming said, "Naturalization of Li Kaier complies with Chinese laws and relevant rules of the FIBA, and blood and cultural identity are important reasons why we are moving towards it. Li Kaier will be the first naturalized player in the history of Chinese basketball, and it is also our institutional innovation and exploration. In this process, we have received strong support from all aspects, and we are very grateful. Li Kaier is an outstanding player, and we believe that his joining can bring help to the Chinese men's basketball team."
According to Li Kaier's mother's previous personal social media account, her maternal grandfather was born in China. In 2018, Li Kaier went to Shenzhen with his mother to search for relatives. According to sources from the Chinese Basketball Association, under the influence of his family, Li Kaier has a strong sense of identification with China and Chinese culture, which is an important consideration for the Chinese Basketball Association's decision to naturalize Li Kaier. According to the introduction, if time permits, Li Kaier plans to travel to Shenzhen with his mother again in mid August this year to participate in activities related to reuniting with family.
Today, Li Kaier posted on Weibo, stating that with the help and support of various aspects in China, he has fulfilled his willingness to recognize his ancestors and his family's greatest wish.
![Li Kaier's naturalization: Today, I have completed my willingness to recognize my ancestors and my family's greatest wish! Regarding Yao Ming's voice | Li Kaier | Li Kaier's naturalization](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/e79921a22e04f7db16f907832100e25f.jpg)
The full text is as follows:
The root seeking journey of 2018 is still vivid in my memory, as it made me know where my roots were and how deep they were. The Xinmu New Village in Shenzhen made me feel the warmth of home, where there were warm Baijiu and enthusiastic fans. I am proud and proud that my name can be passed down from generation to generation on the Li family tree! With the help and support from all aspects in China, today I have fulfilled my willingness to recognize my ancestors and my family's greatest wish!