Li Na is considered as China's most successful tennis player. (Photo : Getty Images)
Retired Chinese tennis player Li Na has scored another achievement with her being named as the 60th member of the prestigious Laureus World Sports Academy (LWSA), state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.
The announcement was also made avaiable via the organization's official website.
LWSA is an organization "whose goal is to spread the positive message that sport can inspire, provide hope and empower young people around the world."
Li also became the fifth Chinese sports icon to join LWSA. The first four are basketball star Yao Ming, gymnast Li Xiaopeng, paddler Deng Yaping, and short track skater Yang Yang.
The tennis star, who suddenly retired two years ago, was welcomed by LWSA chairman Sean Fitzpatrick.
According to Fitzpatrick, "Li Na is one of China's greatest athletes," adding that he is delighted "to welcome [her] here into the Laureus Academy."
"Throughout her career she became an icon of the sport of tennis and a role model for youngsters in China and around the world," he said. "I know she is looking forward to taking her passion for sport into her role as an Academy Member."
Li is considered as the most successful tennis player China has produced, being the first Chinese to win a WTA title and the first Chiinese to break into the top 10 in global rankings.
The former world's number 2 also became the first Asian to snatch a Grand Slam. She has also bagged titles in the 2011 French Open and the 2014 Australian Open.
Li was also ranked by Forbes Magazine as the world's richest retired female athlete with $14 million. She ranked 14th on the list overall with males included.
Asked about her membership to the international organization, the 34-year-old sports figure expressed her excitement.
"Sport has given me so much throughout my life," she said. "The lessons I learned, the wins and the losses made me into the person I am today. I'm honored to join this incredible team of sporting legends in the Laureus Academy."
The tennis icon also said that she is "looking forward to work with [her] fellow Academy members, supporting the work of Laureus Sport for good and inspiring young people around the world through sport."
Li is also happy that her induction to the Academy is happening in Paris, "a city which means so much to [her]."
