Sun sets on golden generation

After bagging bronze in Beijing and winning the Asian Cup early this month, China's women's national volleyball team was officially disbanded on Tuesday, marking the end of a "Golden Generation" with world and Olympic titles wins in the past eight years.

Veteran players will pursue different lives - some back in their provincial team in the domestic league, some abroad furthering their careers and some saying goodbye to the sport altogether - as a host of new faces will appear in the national team.

"There are mixed feelings in my heart," said head coach Chen Zhonghe, who began leading the team in 2001. "Next time we get together, some of them will not be there."