Yao Ming hits back at "privileged" jibes

Chinese NBA star Yao Ming attends a press conference for the 2007 Shanghai Special Olympics in Shanghai, July 4, 2007. Yao has hit back at an official Chinese newspaper that branded him ''privileged'' and accused him of using injuries as an excuse to avoid national team duties, local media reported.

BEIJING (Reuters) - Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming has hit back at an official Chinese newspaper that branded him "privileged" and accused him of using injuries as an excuse to avoid national team duties, local media reported.

The China Sports Daily, mouthpiece of the country's sport ministry, questioned Yao's commitment this week in a commentary titled: "When will Yao Ming join the national team?"

"No matter how sweet personal life is, it can't be compared to capturing glory for the nation," the report said.

Yao, who has appeared at a number of public events since returning to China after the NBA season, said the comments were unfair.

"I know Chinese law protects people's right of speech but I feel this is unfair on me," Yao told Friday's China Daily.

"I entered the national team at the age of 18 and have competed for the national team for 10 years," Yao said.

"The team are witnesses to my improvement and also my commitment."

Yao said he had postponed having surgery to treat a shoulder injury because he "didn't want it to hamper the team's preparation for the Beijing Olympics."

"I had a talk with the Chinese Basketball Association about the time of return and also my shoulder injury, so I am not doing things at random," Yao said.

China sport officials take a dim view of athletes perceived to have pursued self interest at the expense of national duties.

China's "diving prince" Tian Liang retired this year after being kicked off the national squad in 2005 for taking part in too many commercial activities after taking gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics.