File photo of Liu Xiang. (Xinhua)
(ECNS) -- Former Olympic champion hurdler Liu Xiang will announce his retirement on April 7, several Chinese media outlets have reported.
Beijing News said the star hurdler would make a low-profile statement, in contrast to stars like former NBA player Yao Ming or tennis player Li Na who both held press conferences announcing their decision.
The Shanghai-based newspaper Xinmin Evening News has also confirmed the report, citing an exclusive source .
Liu may also make the announcement on April 9 via his microblog account.
Having got married last year, the athlete made a recent appearance at the ticket launch for the IAAF World Championships Beijing 2015 on March 29. He had previously said it was possible that he would attend the IAAF event "under an alternative identity".
