Searching for the Yao factor

China is cranking up its efforts to find its soccer equivalent of Yao Ming, as authorities continue to shift their focus away from quick fixes to long-term, sustainable solutions.

The imminent departure of senior national team coach Marcello Lippi, after a two-year stint at the helm that has yielded minimal gains and yet another failed World Cup qualification campaign, has brought into sharp focus the glaring dearth of emerging young talent in the country.

Authorities have already invested heavily in the youth ranks but are now redoubling their efforts by building dozens of new training centers across the country.