Liu Xiang and Guo Jingjing receive sports prize medal

Liu Xiang of China (C) in action during the men's 110-meter hurdles in the 2007 Shanghai Golden Grand Prix on September 28, 2007 in Shanghai, China. (ChinaFotoPress)

Guo Jingjing of China poses with her Gold medal after winning the Women's 3m Springboard Final during the XII FINA World Championships at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on March 25, 2007 in Melbourne, Australia. Wu Minxia of China won Silver and Tania Cagnotto of Italy won Bronze. (Getty Images)

(BEIJING, January 8) -- The Minister of the General Administration of Sport held a commendation rally for Chinese athletes on January 7, 2008. Sports stars, including Liu Xiang and Guo Jingjing, were awarded sports prize medals.

The rally honored 177 athletes across 22 sports, including divers Guo Jingjing and Wu Minxian; track and field Olympic champion Liu Xiang; archery athletes Zhu Qinan and Du Li; and table tennis players Zhang Yining, Wang Nan, Wang Liqing, Ma Lin and Wang Hao.

The Chinese weightlifting team won the most prize medals. A total of 23 athletes, including Zhang Guozheng and Mu Shuangshuang, stood out on the honor roll. Figure skaters Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo as well as short track speed skater Wang Meng also received honors.

In addition, 132 coaches, including Liu Xiang's coach Sun Haiping, were awarded sports prize medals.