The year-ending 2016 CCTV Sports Personality of the Year ceremony is one step closer to being finalized, after Thursday's nomination ceremony.

CCTV Sports Personality of the Year candidates announced

Preliminary assessments began November 24 and ended December 11, culminating in the nomination ceremony, which saw 10 final categories formed. The assessment brought together a judging panel comprised of 384 experts from sport, media and the sporting industry.

The five athletes nominated for best female athlete are: table tennis player Ding Ning, race-walker Liu Hong, shooting athlete Zhang Mengxue, cyclist Zhong Tianshi and volleyball player Zhu Ting—who was the MVP at the Rio Games.

Badminton player Chen Long, weightlifter Long Qingquan, table tennis player Ma Long, swimmer Sun Yang and race-walker Wang Zhen will be competing for the best male athlete honor.

Categories for the best newcomer, best non-Olympic event athlete and best team were amongst the other categories announced.

Five-time Olympic champion Wu Minxia hosted the event and presented the nominations, and she officially announced her retirement from diving.

The final awarding ceremony will be held January 15.