Foreign coaches will make their debut in China's professional volleyball league this year.

The Beijing men's and women's volleyball clubs have both hired South Korea's national coaches.

There's plenty of interest in volleyball in China after the women's gold medal in Athens and the 12-team women's league starts next month.

In the men's league a Chinese university volleyball team will make its debut in China's professional league when the new season starts later this year.

The volleyball team from Bejing University of Aeronautics and Aerospace will be among the 12 teams to compete in the 2004-2005 men's league beginning in December.

It is the first college team to join in the Chinese pro league.

(CRI September 18, 2004)