Posted on 09/02/2026 5:33:52 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Dallas Wings center Li Yueru won't be representing China in the FIBA Women's World Cup due to passport issues.
Li announced on social media her passport "was lost in the mail and still hasn't been found" (via the Associated Press' Doug Feinberg).
"Throughout this time, we've all been working hard together and exploring every possible solution, but maybe we were just a little short on luck this time," she said. "As of today, the passport is still missing.
"Sometimes, disappointment is simply part of life. I'm sad that I won't be able to be there this time, but I'm incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me and continues to support Chinese women's basketball."
The 27-year-old is averaging 3.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.3 blocks in 10.3 minutes per game with the Wings. She's in her fourth season in the WNBA, having played in the Women's Chinese Basketball Association before making the jump.
Li has competed with China at multiple major tournaments.
She was third on the team in points (10.1) and second in rebounds (7.6) as it earned a silver medal in the 2022 World Cup. At the 2024 Summer Olympics, she averaged a double-double (17.7 points and 11.0 rebounds) as China failed to make it out of the group stage.
With Li out of the event, coach Gong Luming will have to lean more on Han Xu, another big with experience at the highest levels of the sport. This is also likely to be a showcase for 7'2" 19-year-old Zhang Ziyu.
In general, China won't have the luxury of easing into the World Cup. It faces off with the United States on Friday in its first game.
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“There are 26 Regional Passport Agencies across the United States. If you secure an appointment, you can submit your renewal application in the morning and pick up your new passport the same afternoon. This is the only way to get a passport issued and in your hand on the same day.”
https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/same-day-passport-renewal.html
H’mm. Is she sure the dog didn’t eat her passport?
That assumes Ching Chong is eligible for an American passport.
_____________________
And like the Soviet Women athletes of the 1970’s, she could prove that she is all XX and not XY. She looks like a dude.
Methinks that for whatever reason she just doesn’t want to participate. Because this is the lamest excuse ever. The PRC can get her a passport in 24 hours …. Tops.
MOST POST OFFICES ALSO HANDLE PASSPORTS
According to Wikipedia she’s Chinese, but still there are five consulates in the US where she could get a new passport, including the embassy in Washington.
If I could figure this out with a simple Google search why can’t she (unless she really doesn’t want to represent her own country in the Women’s World Cup)?
You do realize that other countries have passports, And the article clearly outlined she’s trying to get a passport from one of those countries. And also you’re making fun of her name. Sounds childish.
You do realize that other countries have passports, And the article clearly outlined she’s trying to get a passport from one of those countries. And also you’re making fun of her name. Sounds childish.
But here’s the good news: whoever has her passport can register to vote (in certain states)!
It’s Nick Rivers!
“And also you’re making fun of her name.”
…his
Uh, how did she get into the country without a passport? Maybe she has dual citizenship somehow.
“If you secure an appointment, you can submit your renewal application in the morning and pick up your new passport the same afternoon.”
I renewed my passport online and it was mailed out two days later.
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