Ex-Olympian joins faculty amid controversy

The appointment of former Olympic table tennis champion Deng Yaping as an adjunct professor at China University of Political Science and Law was confirmed on Sunday, amid controversy over the way her appointment was made and her academic qualifications for the job.

Deng became a sports legend in China after winning four Olympic gold medals - in 1992 and 1996. She recently found herself in the spotlight again when the university said it would appoint her as an adjunct professor in the department of physical education to help build the varsity table tennis program.

Some questioned the procedural legality of the move as well as Deng's competency for an academic role.