Men's 110m hurdles world record holder Liu Xiang on Thursday
rubbished claims that he cares nothing about the upcoming Asian
Games in Doha, Qatar.
"The Asian Games is also a competition where you can win honors
for your country. How can I care nothing about it? I take it
seriously instead," said Liu, who is training in south China's
Guangzhou for his last preparation for the games.
Liu will be China's star No. 1 in Doha and many Chinese reports
said that as the world record holder and Olympic champion, he is
more willing to compete in major IAAF competitions like the world
championships, the Olympic Games and other Grand Prix meets.
Liu's coach Sun Haiping said after a tough season, it is not as
easy as imagined for Liu to go to Doha to satisfy the fan's never
higher expectations.
"He is the defending champion, the world record holder. Our aim
is not only to win, but to win in style," Sun said.
Chinese sports authorities have rested many of their top
athletes in China's dominant disciplines to give more chances to
their youngsters, medal hopefuls for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. But Liu is an
exception.
"He is the ambassador to China's sports. His appearance at Doha
is very important," said Sun.
Liu won the Asian Games champion four years ago in Busan, South
Korea, in 13.27 seconds. Sun said their aim is to run better than
that.
"He has been keeping a very good form during the training. It
should be no problem to run a time around 13.10 in Doha," Sun
said.
To focus on his training, Liu will not bear China's national
flag at the opening ceremony on Dec. 1.
"We would have to get to Doha several days ahead of our match
schedule if he became the flag bearer. That's no good for his
training and competition," Sun said.
Sun added that Liu will fly to Doha on Dec. 4.
(Xinhua News Agency November 25, 2006)