The complete 22-player roster of China for women's football event in the Tokyo Olympics was released on Saturday. Chen Qiaozhu replacing Jin Kun was the only roster change that has been questioned by many fans and reporters.

Many were upset that Tang Jiali, Ma Jun and Lou Jiahui did not make the list. National team manager Jia Xiuquan explained his selections in an interview with Xinhua News Agency.

"Some new faces were added to the roster," said Jia. He said it's really a painful and deeply-calculated decision to drop the veterans out of the list. "My sincere thanks go to every player recruited by the national team in every stage. They have all made significant contributions to women's football of China. It takes generations of efforts to rejuvenate women's football in China and pass on the spirit, the culture and the playstyle of the team."

It should be pointed out that Tang did not make the list because of nothing but injury. Her left knee joint and patella ligament need resting and she must avoid strenuous exercises.

Only five of the 22 players attended the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Others are all young blood, born between 1994 and 1999. Compared with China, Japan have 11 players born after 1997. The youngest one was born in 2003.

Jia said he wants to give young players more opportunities so they can fill in the national team faster and facilitate the team's transition from the old generation to the new generation.

However, Jia did not see the Olympics as a total drill. "We are not spectators, we are not just participants, we are competitors and we go for the best record," said Jia.

China are in Group F with the Netherlands, Brazil and Zambia. In Jia's eyes, the Netherlands are the rising power in Europe, Brazil are the veteran strong opponent with rich experience and Zambia have threatening strikers. He believes he brought best and the most proper players to Tokyo so the team can adapt to different rivals and situations.

"Every game will be tough battle so we must be earnest about all of them. First we will focus on making it out of the group before eyeing further goals. We have a dream and we will spare no effort in Tokyo," said Jia.