China is considering increasing the cash bonus paid to its Olympic medal winners at the 2004 Summer Games opening next month in Athens.

"We have drafted several plans, but it's not up to us to make the final decision. They must be approved by the State Council," said Li Furong, deputy chef-de-mission of the Chinese Olympic delegation, in a weekend interview with China Central Television.

Li declined to disclose details of the plans.

Cash bonuses for gold, silver and bronze medal winners at the last Olympics in Sydney were 150,000 yuan (about US$18,000), 80,000 yuan (US$9,600) and 50,000 yuan (US$6,000), respectively.

However, Li said that the athletes should not expect too much, given that China is a developing nation. "Although you have earned honor for the motherland and deserve some rewards, the amount has to be kept at a reasonable level," he added.

Per capita income of China's urban residents now averages around US$1,000 a year.

China, which won 28 golds and ranked third (following the United States and Russia) in the medal tally four years ago in Sydney, is sending 407 athletes to compete in 203 events in 28 sports in Athens.

At a press conference last week, Li said that it would not be surprising if Chinese athletes win more than 20 golds in Athens, but to repeat the Sydney feat would be "very difficult."

(Xinhua News Agency July 26, 2004)