JINAN — At 4 pm, more than 30 students practice basic archery techniques in the Jinxiucheng Primary School training room in Jinan, the capital of East China's Shandong province.

"Keep your hands steady. Even slight movements may affect fluidity," says Li Weibin, head coach of the school's archery club, as he corrects the students' posture.

Li, who competed twice in China's National Games and won the men's title at the 2006 National Outdoor Archery Championships, became a physical education teacher at the primary school after retiring from professional sports through a special recruitment program, bringing his elite experience to the campus.

Archery is not only an official event at the Summer Olympic Games, but also a traditional Chinese sport with a history dating back more than a thousand years. It evolved from hunting to recreation and then into a competitive discipline.

According to Li, introducing archery to primary schools helps identify and nurture young talent, promotes traditional culture, and diversifies school sports beyond ball games.

Drawing on his professional background, Li selects students during regular PE classes who have suitable physical conditions and interest to join the archery club, where he provides systematic training from basic techniques to competition-oriented practice.

Club members train for about two hours after school each day, with the school providing venues and equipment free of charge.

Qin Jiayi, a student at the primary school, has been learning archery for two years. At the inaugural Jinan Youth Games this year, he won one gold and three silver medals. "This sport has made me braver and more attentive," Jiayi says.

Jiayi's success highlights the value of former athletes and coaches like Li, who are eager to find new opportunities in schools and start a new chapter in their careers.

An Shigang, principal of Jinxiucheng Primary School, says local authorities encourage primary and secondary schools to develop specialized sports programs and improve talent development mechanisms, creating better growth platforms for students with athletic potential.

Dedicated posts are being created for retired athletes, who must obtain teaching qualifications and complete pre-service training and psychological assessments before working in their positions.

Several primary and secondary schools in Jinan have recruited dozens of retired professional athletes who previously won titles in major competitions at home and abroad.

In addition to coaching school teams, these teachers also deliver lessons on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery, organize various sports events, and guide campus sports clubs, further advancing the integration of sports and education.

"As more athletes come to work at schools, they create a star effect, which inspires students to develop a greater passion for sports and physical activities," An adds.

Xinhua