In New Taipei, sport isn’t just played—it’s lived. From public high schools striving to rival elite institutions to professional franchises competing on the national stage, a quiet revolution is underway in our city’s athletic identity. More than medals, New Taipei’s teams are building community, discipline, and resilience.
Local High Schools Challenging the Norm
The public school South Lake High School has emerged as a formidable force in boys’ basketball. In a standout year, the team claimed the championship in the ISF selection tournament, defeating East Mountain High 89–56. That win secured South Lake’s ticket to the World Schools Basketball Championship in Serbia, defying expectations for a school without the deep pockets of private or sports-specialized schools.
Meanwhile, in Taipei’s HBL (High School Basketball League), North First Girls’ High achieved something historic: they won the women’s championship while completing the season undefeated, all without being a specialized sports school. It’s a milestone that shows traditional academic institutions can coach character and talent without sacrificing excellence in competition.
Pro Teams Bring New Energy and Glory
New Taipei’s professional basketball clubs are raising the stakes in national leagues. The New Taipei CTBC DEA and the New Taipei Kings compete in top-tier leagues, drawing on strong local support and fan passion in New Taipei’s Xinzhuang Gymnasium. The Kings’ recent win over DEA forced a decisive play-in game—proof that playoff ambitions here are more than wishful thinking; they’re well-earned. These matches deliver high drama and community pride.
College Powerlifting Taiwan’s Future Leaders
In the college arena, universities are stepping in to fill the gap between high school and the pro leagues. The Department of Leisure and Sport Management at National Taipei University, San Shia Campus, provides students not just with theory, but with real-world internship opportunities and community engagement. These programs are breeding grassroots sports administrators of the future who understand how to build sustainable local sports culture.
Why It Matters
These stories illustrate important shifts. Public high schools are building competitive programs. Pro teams are bridging the gap between local fandom and national visibility. Colleges are training leaders who know sports go beyond the scoreboard.
For New Taipei, it’s a moment of opportunity—to nurture young talent, to support homegrown teams, and to ensure that sports remain a source of hope and identity for all neighborhoods. Because when a rookie sinks that shot, or a public school defeats the odds, it’s the whole city that celebrates.