From Chron: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yao to meet Chinese president In the latest unprecedented and monumental turn in Yao Ming's life, the Rockets' rookie center was invited to a reception for Chinese president Jiang Zemin today, an honor that clearly moved Yao. "I am very honored to be invited to his reception," Yao said Wednesday. "I just found out this afternoon. It is a very big honor." Asked how unusual such an honor is in China, Yao said: "It happens every four years after the Olympics. But then, all the athletes visit. The fact that I've been invited individually -- I don't know if that has ever happened before." Jiang is speaking at the George Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M beginning at 11:30 a.m. today. The timing of Jiang's visit and Yao's arrival was coincidental. "I don't think," Yao joked, picking up a reporter's straight line, "he is following me around." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three years ago, Chinese Women soccer team lost to USA at the finals of World Cup in America. Do you know why? Our president sent them a letter before that game and gave them some "encouragement". The meeting or greeting from President means A LOT OF PRESSURE to the players. What Ming is dealing with now is far beyond the basketball itself. How about the game yesterday? Rockets thought Ming might be not ready yet. But the sponsors wanted Ming to play. So we saw that "so-so" 13 minutes of Ming.
All the Big guys from China are in Texas. Ming looked good last night even if his stats didn't. He's going to be just fine.
i don't follow soccer, so you'll have to pardon my ignorance. however, why do you believe the chinese women's soccer team lost because of the letter? how do you know it wasn't because the other team was better? was the chinese team clearly that superior?
The Chinese team lost to team USA in LA; you guys must remember that... it was a magical summer for women's soccer in 1998. President Clinton actually attended the game, as did I (Clinton is luckier than Jiang?). It was just a classic battle between two great teams... an amazing, amazing atmosphere. It ended in a scoreless tie, but the US won on penalty-kicks. But yea, I think w&s is making a joke. I've been wondering all along if Yao would meet President Jiang... if Yao would find time to, or if President Jiang would care enough to. Glad to see that it's happening. This incident alone will help raise Yao's profile in China even further.
I do think the letter, maybe and the call, from the president was a bad factor to that team. The players had too much pressure on them. They had to gain the honor for their country.
what made you think Yao played because the sponsors wanted him to be out there? do you have any credible sources? I read exactly the same stupid comment on the sina's website!
It would be interesting if that happens. But it wouldn't because Wang Zhi Zhi is now a member of the Clippers & no longer in Dallas.
Makes me wonder: Did President Bush call the Mens basketball team right before they played Argentina???
oh yes. i do remember now. it was widely publicized here in the states. wasn't that the game where the US girl slid and pulled off her top (revealing the nike sportsbra) after a goal?
LOL! maybe he told them the "fool me once, shame on you" quote. i know it confused the HELL OUT OF ME!!!
President Jiang should feel honored to see Ming. Ming is way more popular than Jiang. I just hope Jiang won't invite Ming to sing a song or recite a poem.
My coworker went to the speech this morning. She sat three rows behind Yao Ming, and tried to get an autograph. However, the people around him turned her away. Sorry, no pictures, as they aren't allowed at these types of events.
I expect/hope Ming plays tonight, ready or not. It cannot hurt is the way I look at it. The next game is for real.
It's a great honor for Yao. It's like being invited to the White House except it's without your team. He was very much singled out for this. I would think it IS a big deal in China.
