Glory not translating to pitch

Chinese success on sporting stage not being replicated on soccer fields

BEIJING - China is widely regarded as a sporting powerhouse after topping the medal standings with 51 gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

However, while the host dominated in its traditionally strong events like table tennis and badminton, it struggled in major team events. The Chinese Olympic soccer team was knocked out of the Olympic Games at the group stage and the men's basketball squad only finished eighth.