Renowned Chinese volleyball player Zhu Jiaming dies at 81

Chinese men's volleyball team head coach Zhu Jiaming talks during training in May, 1983. (Xinhua Photo)

Renowned Chinese volleyball player Zhu Jiaming, the former head coach of the Chinese national men's volleyball team, passed away at 81.

SHANGHAI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Renowned Chinese volleyball player Zhu Jiaming, the former head coach of the Chinese national men's volleyball team, passed away at 81 on Wednesday, the Shanghai Administration of Sports announced on Thursday.

"We are astonished to hear that Mr. Zhu Jiaming has passed away and feel deeply sorry for the loss of such an excellent volleyball forerunner," said China Volleyball Association in a message of condolence.

Born in Shanghai in 1938, Zhu became a national team member in 1960. From 1975 to 1984, he served as head coach of Shanghai's men's volleyball team and the national men's volleyball team.

Zhu once worked as deputy director of the Shanghai Sports Commission. He was also a member of the FIVB Technical and Coaching Commission and president of the Coaches Committee of Asian Volleyball Confederation.  ■