China announces biggest-ever contingent for Beijing

Beijing, Jul 25 (UNI) In their quest to emerge as the top medal winning nation at the Beijing Olympics, the Chinese will field their biggest-ever contingent comprising of 639 athletes in the mega event next month.

Featuring prominently among the many gold medal contenders are men's 110 metres hurdles Olympic champion Liu Xiang, NBA star Yao Ming and diving queen Guo Jingjing.

''I am getting better with good training and no injury. All I have to do in the Olympic track is to beat myself,'' Liu said.

China bagged 32 gold medals at the Athens Olympics in 2004 to occupy the second spot on the medals tally. The US, with 36 golds, grabbed the top spot.

The 1099-strong Chinese delegation also includes 460 officials, Deputy Chef de Mission Duan Shijie said.

The full list would be revealed later at the Beijing Olympic Games official website.

The US, who have announced an 596-strong squad, will send the second largest contingent to Beijing.

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