Yao laments stagnation of sports in schools

Former NBA all-star Yao Ming has called for China's school system to invest more in sport at the grass-roots level, claiming much was needed to be done to prevent further stagnation.

"The growth of sport's status in school life in our country has halted now," the giant former Houston Rockets centre told the China Daily. "We should start over and let it go beyond just a function [for] keeping fit."

With the inaugural season of Yao's Foundation Hope elementary school basketball programme recently concluded, he has been making a considerable push of his own.

Yao's foundation had reached about 27,000 students from 47 schools in 17 cities nationwide, providing sports facilities and basketball coaching, according to the China Daily.

"The development of school sports activities in China remains small," said Yao, who retired from the professional game last year after two seasons battling serious foot injuries.

"Sport still lags far behind studies in terms of importance in students' school lives," said the 31-year-old, who became one of Asia's biggest sports personalities while in the NBA. "Sport should play a much bigger role in school life for kids than it does now. By taking part in sporting activities, kids can be more confident and happier."