A Chinese team may take part in next year's Norwich Union International, UK Athletics and Fast Track, its promotional partner, announced today (17 October).
In a move to elevate the status of the annual team match, UK Athletics is in discussions with the Chinese Athletics Federation over an appearance at the match, due to take place in Birmingham next August.
"The nation versus nation format is hugely popular," said David Moorcroft, Chief Executive of UK Athletics. "And we wanted to build on that popularity and increase, even further, the depth of competition at our televised events."
Other changes will include expanding the event to cover two days, greater prize money, and inviting three rather than two teams to compete against the Great Britain and Northern Ireland side. Teams from the United States, Russia and other countries regularly take part in the matches.
Moorcroft added: "We asked Fast Track, in its capacity as our event delivery arm, to negotiate China's attendance, and it would be a significant boost if the largest emerging power in world athletics could send a team over here next summer. It would be great if China are able to accept our invitation."
Fast Track