Highlights
Yao: I will not play at Worlds
By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-01-12 09:08
 |
Large Medium Small |
Yao Ming has played his last World Championship match for China.
The 29-year-old NBA All-star confirmed yesterday he will miss this year's World Championship in Turkey and was also in doubt for the London Olympic Games, which are still 2 1/2 years away.
"I cannot catch up in time for the World Championship because I will not be able to get on to the court and start training until July," Yao said during an interview with sohu.com.
"As for the Olympic Games, it's still too far way and hard to predict."
Yao, who was diagnosed with a broken foot after Game 3 of last season's playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, asked fans to pay more attention to the China team than himself.
"Basketball is a game of unity rather than individualism. I hope people pay more attention to the sport and the whole national team rather than one or two individuals."
Yao was also in danger of missing the 2006 Word Championship due to an injury at the end of the 2005-06 NBA season.
He required six months of rest and recovery before the start of the tournament. In the last game of the preliminary round he had 36 points and 10 rebounds in a win against Slovenia which led China into the Round of 16.
Official from the sport's governing body says they respect Yao's decision and concedes China now have to rely on the next generation.
"We have mentally prepared for Yao's absence," said Hu Jiashi, deputy director of the Basketball Administrative Center. "We respect Yao's decision. His long-term health and career are more important.
"It's a huge loss for the national team but we have to face the reality and give more chances to our younger players."
Busy 'Boss Yao'
Apart from aiming to return to full fitness, the giant center has been busy off the court in China.
He took over his former home club, the Shanghai Sharks, last year and "Boss Yao" has watched several CBA matches around the nation over the past couple of weeks.
Yao claims he still needs more time to get used to his new role.
"I am still adjusting myself to the job," he said. "You have to pay extra attention to a club after you make an investment. I am yet to get familiar with this. But I'm willing to take on more responsibilities."
