Bojan Popvic (far left) teaches children to play the basketball in a basketball club in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

Bojan Popvic, a Serbian basketball coach in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, is eagerly awaiting the upcoming 19th Asian Games.

In 2019, Popvic, then a basketball player who had played the sport for 16 years in 13 countries, came to Ningbo and established a basketball club with his friends. Since then, he has been teaching basketball to local children.

"They like me and call me 'Coach Popvic'. On Teachers' Day, the kids prepared gifts for me – a box of handmade cookies and candy. They are like angels," said Popvic.

Over 200 youngsters have joined his club, 75 percent of them Chinese.

Living in Ningbo, which will co-host the 19th Asian Games in September, he was excited about the upcoming games. 

"The Asian Games are not only a sporting event but also a cultural one. During the event, people will come to Ningbo and discover the city's charm," he added.

In celebration of the games, Popvic will attend a running relay with his friends. The relay will be held in late April and about 1,000 expats are expected to participate.