Two teams from Beijing won the inaugural Chinese National Cricket Championships on Monday.

The middle school attached to Beijing Institute of Technology won the Under-15 division title with a total of 38 while Aidi International Primary School came out tops in the Under-13 division with 82.

The championships also feature an Under-19 competition which will be contested from September to December by college teams including Peking University and Tsinghua University.

Cui Weihong, an official from the China State Sports General Administration, said that through nationwide promotion in 68 universities and schools since 2005, the sport is gaining ground in the country.

"We will select some players from the championships and get ready for the Cricket Asian Cup (U15) as soon as possible," Cui added.

The Asian Cup (U15) kicks off in December in Thailand.

The sport, which prevails in the Commonwealth countries, was almost unknown to Chinese before 2005 but has since seen progress after 75 sports teachers became professional coaches and referees.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2006)