Former Team China ace Bai earns high praise from FIFA

CANBERRA－Former Team China player Bai Lili has been praised by FIFA as a shining example for soccer worldwide, with the global governing body saying she has "shaped a new destiny for herself" after her playing career was brought to "a cruel and abrupt end" by injury.

At the 2006 Asian Cup, Bai played a leading role in midfield for coach Ma Liangxing's side before sustaining a serious ligament injury in the semifinal, which proved to be her last match on the international stage.

"To be honest, I was unaware of how bad the injury was," Bai told FIFA.com as part of a series of articles published on the website to celebrate International Women's Day on Monday.

Bai missed out on the final as China beat host Australia on penalties to lift the cup, with Bai still managing to join in the celebrations despite being consigned to a wheelchair at the time.

After undergoing four operations over the next two years, Bai's hopes of returning to the pitch and playing at the 2007 World Cup on home soil eventually faded.

"I did whatever I could as I tried to regain my fitness as a player. But ultimately, I knew my past self would never return," said the 42-year-old, who is now head of the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) women's department.

"I was in my prime before the injury, but I had to retire from playing. It was so cruel."

After hanging up her boots, Bai opted to contribute to the sport's youth and grassroots development.

Having worked as an assistant in FIFA and AFC grassroots projects, Bai undertook AFC coaching courses, progressing through the levels until she received a pro license in 2016.

She has also worked on the coaching staff of China's Under-17 women's team at the 2014 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.

"It is no use lamenting the past," she said. "You have to do something down-to-earth. You need to put ideas into action, and then you have opportunities to realize your ambitions.

"Looking back, it was in those years as a youth coach that I developed my new ability after retirement. Aside from teaching young players, I gained a lot of experience in terms of management and getting along with people."

Sarai Bareman, FIFA's chief women's soccer officer, said she hoped to see more former players like Bai getting involved in the administration side of the game.

"Bai is such an inspiration and someone I really admire－for her resilience, her willingness to give back, and her determined approach to seeing women's soccer in Asia reach new heights," said Bareman.

As for the next generation of female players, Bai advised: "You need to improve your ability both on and off the pitch. Female players need to achieve all-round development."

Xinhua