China's State Sport General Administration said at a recent news conference that China aims to clinch at least 16 gold medals, and tries to get four more, in the coming Sydney Olympics.
According to the administration, China enjoys a better edge and is very likely to lay hands on golds in table tennis, badminton, gymnastics, weightlifting, women's judo, diving and swimming.
China may also win champions in cycling, boat racing, shooting, archery, Taekwondo, if the players can stage on excellent performances in Sydney during September 15 and October 1, the administration said.
Australia, the host country, has pledged to acquire 20 gold medals in the forthcoming Olympics.
Sports experts predicted in Beijing that if China fails to capture 20 medals, it would -- most likely -- not be able secure its fourth place in the Olympics gold medal rankings.
China captured 16 golds to rank fourth in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Experts say that if China catches more than 20 gold medals this year, it may also rank third for the first time.
China is to send a massive delegation including 360 players to compete in 25 major events in Sydney.
(China Daily)
