Today marks the moment when Yao Ming announces his widely expected retirement from basketball. Here, chinadaily.com.cn brings you the latest news and information in our live report (in Beijing Time) from the news conference in Shanghai.
 Lei Lei |
 Cui Meng |
 Lee Hannon |
Live commentary brought by Lee Hannon in Beijing, latest news by Lei Lei and Cui Meng in Shanghai Lee Hannon is an editor with chinadaily.com.cn with 16-year experience in print and broadcast journalism. Lei Lei, China Daily sports reporter. Working at China Daily for eight years, Lei has covered two Winter Olympic Games and one Summer Games, as well as a series of sports events and multiple-sport games.
 |
|
16:16 Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey admitted that Yao's retirement made it difficult to find someone to replace him, but still value Yao's legacy with the team.
"He is very difficult for me to replace. Actually it's impossible," Morey told China Daily. "Even though Yao won't be on court any more, the culture he brought, the hard work, humbleness and the sense of humor, being a great team member. That will be something I try to preserve."
"We are very grateful for our fans in China. It's something that we've really enjoyed over the years. I hope they continue to watch the Rockets.
"He is a great person who accomplished unbelievable things. After basketball, the next chapter in his life will be more impressive than his first chapter in the basketball because who he is as a person."
16:11
Chinese NBA player Yi Jianlian, who is a potential candidate to take on Yao Ming's role for Chinese basketball, tweeted on his Weibo: "I've been prepared for today since the first moment I knew Yao's intention. From now on, it resembles a new start. Yao will never leave basketball in any case. Let us pray for Yao and look forward to the new start."
15:49 More reactions on the Internet
XiaoP: I can still remember my high school days when I and my classmates would sit in front of TV sets watching Yao's games.
Jone5: I love Yao Ming not only as a professional basketball player but also as a man with a great personality and sense of humor.
Mr_EdisonYang: You've become an icon of an era. Thank you, Yao!
ZiranrenNO7: Looking on the bright side, I will not watch Rockets' games with anxiety from now on. Frankiechan260: I fell in love with basketball because of Yao.
Anhuixujun: I suggest somebody could write Yao's legend into text books for pupils.
Zengjun: I never liked Yao's game. But I have to admit he is a bridge between China and the world.
Aiping: The dynasty of Ming comes to an end. The NBA will suffer a big loss.
Ericqz: I have to say I am totally disappointed with Yao. His business wits are stronger than his basketball IQ.
Milanvsyuan: My dream is to become a journalist interviewing Yao Ming one day.
Donny_WXD: It's hard to accept the fact. But life continues. Best wishes for Yao.
15:29 From Houston chronicle:
Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said he was still "sad" that Yao's career would end too soon, short-circuited by the injuries he could not avoid.
Rockets chief executive officer Tad Brown, who had grown particularly close to Yao, was still "in shock."
NBA commissioner David Stern said he would soon offer Yao a place in the NBA, likely working with the league's initiatives in China that have taken off since the Rockets made Yao the first pick of the 2002 NBA draft.
"It's sad," Alexander said. "He had such great potential. He fulfilled it, really, but we would have been a great team with him. It's sad for him because I know he wants to play very badly. It's sad for the Rockets."
15:27 People have been reacting to the news on social networking sites.
Writing on twitter Nitesh Dutt says "Yao Ming's impact on the NBA will be felt more off the court than on. His legacy will be bringing a Chinese basketball fan base to the USA."
Jason Santos writes "he will surely be missed. I don't think there will be another 7'6" player with that kind of talent."
Errsta: "Damn Yao Ming retired...hope his life after the NBA is prosperous. Best of luck to him."
Harry Yang writes "my favorite star! From the same town. I am proud of you."
15:04 End of the Q & A and conference.
 15:03 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: Is your daughter able to say Daddy?
A: I'm really busy these days. My daughter likes to call "Daddy" when I hold some food.
15:00 A veteran Shanghai photographer Hong Nanli presents Yao a photo of him that was taken by her. 14:57 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: What will you do to act as a role model for young people?
A: I did a lot for some foundations. I will continue to pay attention to the situation for young people in Shanghai and do as much as possible.
14:55 Yao Ming said he hopes to continue cooperating with the media after his retirement. He said, "We certainly hope the media can pay attention to sports. In the future, I hope we keep the good cooperation and work together to start a new era."
14:54 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: I know Yao Ming provided his voice in the animated film 'The Magic Aster'. Is it a sign that you are considering exploring a future in the animation industry?
A: That was just an improvised cameo appearance. It won't happen again.
Q: Would you please share with us some of your challenging experiences playing for CBA (China Basketball Association) and NBA (National Basketball Association)?
A: I was able to overcome all the challenges because of the support of my teammates, my coach and my translator. I could not have succeeded without them. Maybe I would just have stayed here, speaking only the Shanghai dialect and not any other languages.
14:53 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: You said that you have dedicated the first half of your life, the last 30 years, to basketball. As you are retiring now, how will you balance your career and family in the future? Will you participate in basketball training for teenagers?
A: Everyone comes from a young stage step by step. So at this age I would like to focus on how to make more children to join basketball. But age will never become a barrier for this. Definitely I will participate more in basketball training for youngsters and we are already doing this now. Taking Shanghai team as a platform, I hope more children will take part in and love physical activities, making themselves stronger and helping themselves become better people through sports.
14:53 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: Will you stay in Shanghai or the US after the retirement?
A: I will stay on the earth.
14:52 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: What do you want to say to those fans who won't watch basketball anymore if you retire?
A: No matter it is CBA or NBA, I hope you continue to watch it.
14:50 Yao Ming declines to tell his business plan at the conference to announce his retirement. A reporter asked if Yao Ming is going to launch his own brand in the future. Yao said "People will know my business plan slowly."
14:49 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: How to help young people?
A: I will join more activities for training of young fans. I've already started to do it.
14:46 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: Is it difficult for you to transfer from CBA to NBA at the beginning?
A: From one country to another is a difficult job. That's why i want to thank many people that helped me to achieve it.
14:45 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: What will you do for Shanghai?
A: I'm looking forward to working well with the media and starting a new era.
14:43 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: How about your future commercial plans?
A: As for starting my own brand, I have to get a brand from others first.
14:40 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: Will you coach the team in Netherlands?
A: Coaching is not an easy job. As you know, I own a team in Shanghai, which makes me already really busy. Thank you for your invite and wish you to find a good coach.
14:37 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: Which match is the most unforgettable one for you?
A: For Shanghai, it's the match when we won the champion title. For NBA, the 10th game while playing against Marverick.
14:35 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: Which moment on the stage impressed you the most?
14:33 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: How did you persuade yourself to retire? How will you get used to the life of retirement?
A: It's a long process. When I pick up professional basketball, my parents told me there will be one day that you will leave all of it. I'm preparing for today. It just comes a little bit earlier. Which moment on the stage impressed you the most?
14:29 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: Does it mean that you will retire from all teams?
A: I fully retire as a professional basketball player. But I won't retire from the basketball.
14:24 Yao Ming is answering questions from the media. Q: What do you want to say to your national team teammates? A: Thank you for all the support to me in past years. Wish them good results in future matches and I will go to watch them.
14:21 Statement of Houston mayor:
We are saddened by the announcement of Yao Ming's retirement, but thankful for the contributions he has made to our city and the Rockets organization. He's a powerhouse of strength and stature that has been a pure delight to watch on the court. He also has a big heart that has helped many charities in Houston and around the world. We know China is his home, but he is Houston's adopted son. We send thanks to China for sharing a true sports legend with us.
14:19 Lei Lei: Yao's family pose for photo with officials from state and Shanghai sports bureau, officials from overseas, coaches, guests from sponsors, interpreter, former teammates and old friend.
 14:16 Lei Lei: Yao and his family on the stage. His wife Ye Li, Yao's mother and father, Yao's daughter Yao Qinlei. It's the first time Yao's whole family present to the public.
 14:12 Lei Lei: Host: Yao's retire ceremony will be held on July 25 by China's basketball Association.
14:11 Han Zheng, mayor of Shanghai, met Yao this morning and rewarded him life honor award for Shanghai sport. People from Yao's hometown Shanghai feel proud of Yao. Welcome home, Yao.
14:11 Lee: The director of the Shanghai Sports Bureau has announced a lifetime achievement award for the NBA star saying "Yao Ming is going to open a new chapter in his life and I would like to give him all my best wishes." Shanghai sports official thanks Yao
14:11 The director of the Shanghai Sports Bureau: "I hope Yao Ming continues in his path in life and utilizes his wisdom to realize his dreams and do his best to contribute to his motherland...we welcome you to come home."
14:10 Lei Lei: Li Yuyi, director of Shanghai Sports Bureau:
Yao just announced his retirement after careful consideration. I'd like to thank Yao for what he has done for Shanghai. I also wish him good for his future life.
14:09
14:03 Lee: Yao says "I am going to be committed to do charity work. I am going to encourage more people to be involved in charity work…From now on I am going to be more serious about life."
14:01 Lee: Yao Ming tells the world"My basketball playing career has come to an end."
14:01
I'm very glad that I played for China for 10 years and met my wife through basketball. The basketball opened a door for me. Now the door closed but a new door opened. Although I retire, i won't leave basketball. I will continue to work for the charity work.
13:58
Yao's speech: (Full text)
It's an important day for me, not matter for my past career or future life. Today I'd like to announce that i will end my basketball career and retire.
13:50 Lee: We are just minutes away from the start of a news conference in Shanghai where Yao Ming is expected to announce his retirement from the NBA and a sport that made him a household name in China.
The host Xu Jicheng announced that the press conference is about to start
Tracey Lee, journalist from CCTV-news
13:25
 Journalists wait before signing in. [Photo by Cui Meng]  Conference hall. [Photo by Cui Meng]  An Australian journalist holds a biography of Yao Ming. [Photo by Cui Meng] |
Produced by chinadaily.com.cn
July 20, 2011