Xin Lancheng, former deputy director of sports department of the Beijing Olympic Games Organizing Committee (BOCOG), returned as the director of the Chinese Basketball Administrative Center (CBAC) on Monday, replacing the retired Li Yuanwei.

Xin Lancheng [File photo: sina.com.cn]

Cai Zhenhua, vice minister of the China General Administration of Sport, announced the decision at the CBAC headquarters Monday morning, about one month after Li's retirement on December 15, 2008.

"I have more pressure compared to five years ago when I was called up to work for the BOCOG. Chinese basketball has developed very fast during the five years," Xin said.

Xin took the post for the first time in 1998 and left for the BOCOG job in 2003.

The retired Li said that he would continue to contribute to the development of Chinese basketball.

"It's like a relay race. I've accomplished my duty on my post, and now it's time to hand over," said Li.

(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2009)