Ex-Olympian Shui Qingxia takes over as China women’s coach as national team prepare for January’s Asian Cup in India
- The 54-year-old former Olympic silver medallist replaces Jia Xiuquan, who led the team at the Tokyo Olympic Games
- Shui previously coached the United Team of senior players who took part in the China National Games in September
Former international midfielder Shui Qingxia has been named head coach of the Chinese national team ahead of January’s Women’s Asian Cup in India.
The Chinese Football Association confirmed Shui’s appointment on their official website and she takes on the role from Jia Xiuquan, who led the team to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Shui had been favourite for the role having previously been in charge of the United Team, made up largely of senior international players, during China’s National Games in September.
The 54-year-old, who won a silver medal with China at the 1996 Olympic Games, becomes the first Chinese woman to coach the team.
China have been drawn to face hosts India as well as Taiwan and Iran in group A of the Women’s Asian Cup, which kicks off on January 20.