Life of Guangzhou - African-Chinese in China Volleyball Team

Ding Hui (Guangzhou Daily)

China has named a player of mixed African and Chinese heritage to the national men's volleyball team in a noteworthy selection in one of the country's most popular sports.

Ding Hui, 20, was announced as a member of the 18-member squad on Monday.

The native of the eastern city of Hangzhou was raised by his Chinese mother and began playing competitive volleyball in his mid-teens, according to the official Xinhua News Agency and other reports. Ding's father is believed to be South African, although reports did not indicate whether he is in touch with his son.

China's coach Zhou Jianan praised Ding's instincts and passing, placing him among the country's top five players on both defense and offense. Zhou said Ding, who plays the libero position, had been a natural for national selection, but the move raised eyebrows with some.

"Countless numbers of people have called me about this issue today, but I just tell them that his ethnic background and family situation are his own private matter about which I have no opinion," Zhou was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

While Ding's national selection was unusual, dark-skinned athletes are not rare in China. Exchange students from Africa and elsewhere have featured on university teams and amateur squads, while there are many black players in the professional football and basketball leagues

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