Ex-NBA star Yao Ming resigns as chairman of Chinese basketball body

​​​​​​​By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

Former NBA star Yao Ming resigned Thursday as chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association.

Guo Zhenming was elected to replace Yao in an Executive Committee meeting of the 10th Members' Congress of the Chinese Basketball Association on the same day.

"Taking over the baton of the Chinese Basketball Association is a heavy responsibility and a glorious mission," said Guo.

Yao, 44, said his decision was made "after careful consideration" and "based on his personal plan for the development of Chinese basketball".

Yao, who assumed the post in China on Feb. 23, 2017, was a starter for the Houston Rockets from 2002 to 2011.

The former China and Rockets center was an eight-time NBA All-Star.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​