China announced an eight-athlete team for the 2008 Beijing Wushu Competition on Thursday.

Sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, the Wushu competition is to start on Aug. 21 and end on Aug. 24, the day the Beijing Olympics close.

The event features 10 taolu (forms) and five sanda (sparring) events.

The Chinese team is led by Chinese Wushu chief Wang Xiaolin, who is also general secretary of the International Wushu Federation.

The eight Chinese participants are men's players Yuan Xiaochao, Zhao Qingjian, Wu Yanan, Zhang Shuaike and women's athletes Ma Lingjuan, Lin Fan, Cui Wenjuan and Qin Lizi.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2008)