·Vice President Xi Jinping on Monday expressed concern and sympathy for Liu Xiang.

·"We all understand that Liu quit the race due to injury," Xi said.

·Liu and his coach were greatly moved by the content of the telegraph from top officials.

    BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping telegraphed the General Administration of Sport on Monday to express concern and sympathy for track star Liu Xiang, who pulled out of the men's 110-meter hurdles in a first-round heat with a foot injury at the Beijing Olympic Games.

    Chinese state leaders were very concerned with the Shanghai native's injury, and hoped the gold medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics would get timely treatment and recover soon, said Xi, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

    He expressed warm regards and encouragement to Liu and his coach Sun Haiping in the telegraph, which he sent soon after learning the news of Liu's withdrawal at the National Stadium.

    "We all understand that Liu quit the race due to injury," Xi said. "We hope he will relax and focus on recovery. We hope that after he recovers, he will continue to train hard and struggle harder for the national glory."

    Liu and his coach were greatly moved when they learnt the content of the telegraph from the top officials of the General Administration of Sport. They thanked the state leaders for their concern and encouragement.

    The 25-year-old, one of the biggest sporting stars in the country, said he would actively cooperate with the doctors and try to return for future events as soon as possible. 

Host nation shocked by star hurdler's pullout, lowers medal hope

    BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese were shocked on Monday as their beloved Olympic champion hurdler Liu Xiang limped out of a men's 110m hurdles heat at the Beijing Olympics, which virtually deprived the host nation of the hope for a track gold. Full story

Liu Xiang quits 110m hurdles

China's Liu Xiang (L) prepares prior to the first round competition of men's 110m hurdles at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 18, 2008. The defending champion Liu Xiang dropped out after getting injury. (Xinhua/Li Ga) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Defending Olympic champion Liu Xiang pulled out of the men's 110m hurdles first round at the Beijing Olympics on Monday morning. Full Story

Liu Xiang quits games, but never out

    BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- It was a heartbreaking moment for Liu Xiang and for numerous Olympics audiences.

    Liu Xiang, the defending Olympic champion of men's 110m hurdles and icon of Chinese sport, limped out of the Bird's Nest stadium after just managing a few awkward steps in his opening heat Monday morning.