Chinese players celebrate in the AFC Women's Asian Cup final against South Korea in Mumbai, India, on Feb 6, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

Among members of China's national women's football team that won the AFC Women's Asian Cup on Feb 6 were six players from colleges in East China's Jiangsu province.

Midfielder Yao Lingwei hails from Jiangsu University in Zhenjiang while the other five players are from Jiangsu Normal University in Xuzhou.

The Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education sent letters of congratulation to the two universities on Feb 8.

Over the past years, the department has been working with the Jiangsu Administration of Sport to promote physical education. It has also trained more than 60 athletes who have been drafted into China's national teams.

By the end of 2021, there were 2,120 schools in Jiangsu recognized by the nation for their achievements in promoting football among students and 75 schools were even honored as incubators of excellent football players. In addition, Jiangsu Normal University is the only educational institution in China that admits women footballers as postgraduates without the need for examinations.

Many retired football players have become teachers and more than 2,000 football coaches in Jiangsu's schools will training sessions every year.