"We want to do more than find them a job. We want to give them the skills to advance on their own after they retire," said Ma.

"This is a huge step for athletes. Once they overcome this first hurdle, they can do anything after they retire," he added.

Chinese sports icon Lang Ping, who now coaches the US women's volleyball team, agrees.

"Education is extremely important for athletes, especially for those who want to become international stars," Lang said.

"What impressed me most when I took the helm of Team USA is that their athletes are really well-educated. All of them have finished university studies and some of them even have higher degrees.

"There is good communication between me and my players. They always understand what I think and show me they are willing to learn something as long as it's good for them. This is the biggest difference between coaching in the US and in China and I think it's because of players' educational level."

Lang said she is happy to see Chinese athletes getting more educational opportunities.

"Chinese athletes are more international and more open right now," she said. "I'm thrilled to see them spending more time studying.

"You cannot be an athlete your entire life. Some US volleyball players become doctors or engineers after retiring. That's a wonderful thing not only for the athletes, but for the country's sports programs. I think the changing system in China is very good for the athletes."

For 58kg champion Chen Yanqing, education has not only improved her future, it has made her a better weightlifter.

"Learning psychology totally changed my career," said Chen, 29, who broke a world record to become the first woman to win two Olympic gold medals.

"It taught me how to react under pressure and helped me find what I am looking for in life. That's really important to me.

"Also, going to college is very important for athletes like me whose world is otherwise limited to the barbells."

Chen had retired after winning a gold medal in Athens four years ago. She enrolled in a master's program at Jiangsu University, but returned two years ago to set five world records at the 2006 Asian Games in Qatar.

"I love being in a classroom," Chen said. "I don't want to be a woman in her 30's who has never had a taste of being a student.

"I joined the weightlifting team when I was 15. After that, I didn't read a book. Now, I want to learn as much as I can. It has helped me find my motivation again."

Taking care of retired athletes has been a hot topic in China over the past few years. At the fifth session of the 10th CPPCC last year, former speed skater Ye Qiaobo urged the government to increase support for her fellow athletes.