Shanghai Sharks to retire Yao's No. 15<br>
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Associated Press<br>
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HOUSTON -- Rockets center Yao Ming is slated to be the first athlete in Chinese history to have his jersey number retired.<br>
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Yao's former team, the Shanghai Sharks, will retire his No. 15 on Jan. 5.<br>
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"There are a lot of athletes in the history of China that are qualified to have their numbers retired as well. So I feel fortunate to be the first," Yao said in an interview Sunday with Houston television station KRIV.<br>
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But Yao did find one downside to the honor.<br>
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"My father also wore the No. 15 when he played. I guess the only thing I feel sorry about is that my son might not be able to wear the number," Yao said through an interpreter.<br>
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<p><!--EZCODE QUOTE START--><blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr> David, you're such an inspiration to the children of San Antonio. Hard work, dedication, and strong morals do pay off. How do you top a championship, an MVP, and a career filled with honors and awards<hr></blockquote><!--EZCODE QUOTE END--></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub61.ezboard.com/bsanantoniospurs62937.showUserPublicProfile?gid=shenlei>shen lei</A> at: 1/1/03 4:00:23 am<br></i>

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