Tang Miao, a star volleyball player on China's men's national team, is recovering after he was almost paralyzed from a neck injury, said a Beijing-based sports newspaper.

The 25-year-old Shanghai player can breathe by himself for eight hours a day after one month of treatment in a Shanghai hospital, said the newspaper under China's General Administration of Sport. He can now raise both hands.

Tang broke his neck when he had his head hit into a wall during a warming up exercise before a friendly match in St Petersburg, Russia, on June 16.

The report said Tang was happy to see Liu Peng, director general with the sports administration, who visited him at Changzheng Hospital on July 19.

Liu encouraged Tang to battle the tragedy with the same all-out spirit he showed on the court.

Also last night, Liu went to visit another injured athlete, gymnast Wang Yan, at No.6 People's Hospital, also in Shanghai.

The 15-year-old girl was also almost paralyzed during a National Championships meet in Shanghai on June 10.

Wang is from neighboring Zhejiang Province. She regained strength in her legs and hands after rehabilitation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

"She can use chopsticks and the computer now," said a relative of Wang.

Liu praised doctors and nurses in both hospitals for their excellent medical skills, kindness and patience in treating the two athletes, said the report.

(Shanghai Daily July 21, 2007)