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Two Russian athletes bargain with a shopkeeper in Xiushui Market (Silk Street market), a popular tourist market in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 16, 2008. Many foreign athletes, coaches and officials from across the world visit the market selling items of Chinese characteristics during the Beijing Olympic Games.(Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng)
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Ji Mingren, owner of a silk shop in the mall, said NBA Houston Rockets player Dikembe Mutombo alone bought 11 tailored silk suits from him.
"I gotta say, he is really tall," said Ji. "He seemed very satisfied with the suits, and said 'thank you' to me, in Chinese."
Ji said Mutombo promised last week to order more suits by mail when he goes back to the United States.
Ji received orders for 49 suits from the International Boxing Association for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, and the teams of Canada and Spain ordered tailored sportswear.
"This means that the quality of our garments has begun to win international recognition," said Wang. On his office desk were framed pictures of the Nauru and Venezuela teams marching into the National Stadium during the Aug. 8 opening ceremony in uniforms bearing the newly-established brand of SILKSTREET.