China calls for stricter standards for university student athletes

BEIJING -- Chinese authorities have issued a guideline on promoting fairer and better enrollment for high-level sports teams in higher education institutions.

The guideline, jointly issued by the Ministry of Education and the General Administration of Sport (GAS), proposes higher academic standards and eligibility requirements for student athletes admitted to high-level university sports teams.

Starting from 2024, only individuals listed as athletes of national top-level and higher levels will be eligible to apply for high-level university sports teams, according to the guideline.

Besides, starting from 2024, the admission decision in this regard will be made based on one's academic performance in China's college entrance exams and unified national professional assessments organized by the GAS, it added.