China strive for Rio Olympics glory despite difficulties

BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese athletes will work against difficulties in their bid for good results at next month's Rio Olympic Games, a senior Chinese sports official told Xinhua on Thursday.

Gao Zhidan, China's General Administration of Sport vice director, said competing in South America would be a whole new experience for the delegation.

"China used to be the host (at Beijing 2008 Olympics) and have experience in competing in Europe but the Olympic Games in South America is something new," said Gao, who is also deputy chef de mission of the 711-member delegation.

"In the meantime rule changes in some sports add uncertainty to the competition and more exchanges between countries and regions help our opponents grow a lot, especially those in our traditionally strong sports," said Gao. China have bagged most of its Olympic Games through table tennis, badminton, diving, weightlifting, gymnastics and shooting.

Gao said another reason he called the Rio Olympics a tough task is "the diminishing dividend" of the 2008 Olympic Games.

"After Beijing was selected as the host city in 2001, China started a long term talent training plan for the Games," said Gao. "The plan continues but is not as vigorous as then. That will be another challenge."

China fielded 416 athletes to compete in 210 events over 26 sports. Besides the traditionally strong sports, swimming and athletics are also on the rise.

"China's swimming took a leap from 2008 to 2012. Our athletics also gave outstanding performance by winning one gold medal, seven silver medals and one bronze medal in 2015 World Championship in Beijing," said Gao. "However, we still lag behind athletics powerhouses like the United States."

Another star attraction of the Chinese legion is women's volleyball team.

Coached by Jenny Lang Ping, the 2015 World Cup winners are facing mounting expectations from home fans for a medal.

Gao believed the twice Olympic champions will handle the pressure well.

"Our women's volleyball team won many titles and trophies under pressure. To deal with the pressure is an everlasting topic for sports teams. I believe they can handle it under the guidance of coach Lang Ping," he said.