Chinese fans have applauded Yao Ming's moving up the world basketball ladder after the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) president entered the top executive branch of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
The NBA Hall of Famer became the co-opted Central Board member along with Russian Basketball Federation head Andrei Kirilenko as the Board held its second meeting of 2017 in Hong Kong, China earlier this week.
Yao Ming /VCG Photo
"Congratulations, Yao! You have my full support!" acclaimed one netizen.
"Yao Ming's appointment can get 100 'likes' from me. Besides, his appointment will be good for Chinese basketball and helps balance the sport's development worldwide," said another.
The Board plays a role in supervising the practice of basketball worldwide. Yao will start his term on October 1.
One of China's most famous sporting faces, Yao, 37, has made a successful transition from the Chinese international and Houston Rockets team to businessman, political adviser and basketball association head. He was elected CBA president in February.
(With inputs from Xinhua)
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