Stars

Liu Xiang to attend sessions but keep training

By Liu Shanshan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-02-28 17:29

Liu Xiang's appearance at the CPPCC panel session in Beijing in this 2009 file photo. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese star hurdler Liu Xiang hopes to continue to fulfill his political duty in this year's two sessions of China's top legislature and political advisory body.

"Li Xiang will go to Beijing for this year's two sessions next week," as Liu's coach Sun Haiping confirmed the Liu's attendance for the annual meeting. "But to keep his condition, he'll receive training while attending the sessions in Beijing." Sun was quoted as saying by Chengdu Commercial Daily, a Chengdu-based local newpaper in Southwest China. 

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The sports star's two-session trip was not as pleasant as his career after Liu became a member of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) four years ago.

He was absent from the first year's advisory session in 2008 due to a World indoor tournament at the time and he made a rush debut at the second year's session just two days before the end.

Liu made it last March and submitted his proposal at the session but he later conceded that his bill calling for better benefits for sports coaches was written by someone else under the bombardment of reporters.

As for Liu's proposal to submit this year, it is kept as a secret, but insider said he would be more discreet given last year's lessons.

Tighter training and a racing agenda is waiting for Liu after the two sessions though the getting-in-form star has clinched a good start this year by finishing third in two recent indoor meets in Germany.

According to Coach Sun, Liu was making efforts to train for the outdoor event as his main target this year is the IAAF World Championships in Dageu in August.

The Fourth Session of the 11th CPPCC National Committee is scheduled to open on March 3 this year.