The world volleyball governing body FIVB stated its great concern for injured Chinese player Tang Miao on Thursday, it said in a press release.

"The whole volleyball family is waiting for better news from Shanghai, home town of the 25 year-old player Tang Miao," FIVB said.

Tang, in St. Petersburg with his club team Shanghai last week, suffered a terrible injury during training. who suffered a terrible injury in St. Petersburg during a training session. On June 15, he lost his balance while jumping and fell on his head, knocking him unconscious and severely damaging his cervical vertebrae. 

Also husband of Zhou Suhong, captain of the China women's national team, Tang was flown to Shanghai immediately after his operation. 

After his injury, Tang was transported to the Second Hospital of Saint Petersburg for urgent treatment. Unfortunately, initial reports indicate he may be paralyzed for life after a doctor reported Tang could feel nothing below his knees.

However, an official from China's Consulate in St. Petersburg revealed that Tang had regained consciousness after the operation and was now speaking with difficulty.

His condition ruled to be stable, Tang was flown back to Shanghai on June 19. Zhou, his wife, arrived in Beijing soon after to be at her husband's bedside.

No official disclosure has been made about Tang's injury or his condition with the media prevented from gaining access to the airport or the hospital as Tang arrived in China.

Officials with the Shanghai Volleyball Association are set to hold a press conference to explain Tang's injury. However, the national volleyball authorities are shocked with the Chinese national team's head coach Zhou Jianan concerned to make contact with Shanghai to get more details.

Tang entered the Chinese National Team back in 2002 and became a main member of the first six one year later. The experienced Tang took part in the 2004 Olympic qualification tournaments, World Championships and World League. He is also a pillar for the Shanghai city team, who have been crowned national champions for four years in a row.

(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2007)