Yao Ming, normally the focus of intense media scrutiny, slipped into Beijing silently on Saturday ahead of the Asian Men's Basketball Championship.

　　In June, Yao had a successful operation in the U.S. to remove a bone spur in his left ankle and is still in rehabilitation.

　　According to the China Basketball Association, Yao is expected to join in training for the Asian Basketball Championships, but whether he plays will depend on the recovery of his ankle.