Chinese volleyball star hints at retirement

China's Hui Ruoqi (L) plays against Serbia at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 20, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua]

Chinese volleyball star Hui Ruoqi has said that she is considering quitting professional volleyball.

The 26-year-old Olympic gold medalist shared her thoughts while receiving an award for the most popular female athlete on the China Top Ten Benefitting Laureus Sport for Good in Beijing on Wednesday night. 

"I am indeed thinking about retiring and discussing it with my parents and superiors. My physical conditions aren't at their optimal level anymore, so it's another stage in my life planning," said Hui. 

In 2010, the Nanjing native had an operation on her left shoulder, leaving seven steel rods in it. She also has had two heart surgeries since then.

At the Rio Olympics, the then Chinese team captain led her teammates to a surprise victory and took home gold.

Hui is very popular among Chinese fans. In announcing her possible retirement plans, she has dismissed suggestions that she may begin a career in entertainment, saying her top priority is to finish her doctorate studies in human sociology of sport at Nanjing Normal University.