Yao Ming joins Laureus academy

Three Chinese, including former NBA star Yao Ming, joined the Laureus world sports academy here on Wednesday.

Yang Yang, China's first ever winter Olympic gold medallist and an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, and former world gymnastics champion Li Xiaopeng were included in the academy during the Laureus world sports award ceremony on Wednesday night, reports Xinhua.

Former table tennis star Deng Yaping was previously the only Chinese member in the Laureus academy.