China to set up professional soccer team of highest altitude

Players from the plain may have a hard time catching their breath when playing on China's highest soccer field.

A professional soccer team Lhasa Jingtu is under plan as Jingtu club, literally means "pure land", is recruiting players nationwide.

After the team is authorized to be set up, it will own the home field of the highest altitude in China, at 3,646 meters in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region.

"We now have received more than 200 applications from players and will make a selection," said club chairman Cidanduoji.

"The team will begin with regional league."

Cidanduoji thought Tibetans have a potential to play excellent soccer because living on plateau, they have great stamina and are strong in cardiopulmonary function.

"What's more, soccer is popular in Tibet. A professional team will help push the sport to a new level here," he said.

Lhasa Jingtu is the second professional soccer team here. Back in 2002, Tibet built its first team Tibetan Eagle but played its home matches all in Beijing. The team was dismissed only after a few years. Endi