Training Course in New Career for Retired Athletes was launched in this capital city of northeast China's Jilin Province on Tuesday.

It is the first time for China to hold such a training course to assist retired players in getting new jobs.

Zhao Fengpei, director general of the Jilin Sports Bureau, said that the training course would last 11 days and 75 retired athletes would be trained.

According to officials, there are many retired professional players who have problems in getting employment for the lack of skills except from sport in China.

(Xinhua News Agency October 29, 2008)